Child (1) dies in nanny’s care

By Malebo Debeila

Bheki Themba Nkosi, a one-year-old boy, allegedly died in the care of his nanny in Ivory Park, Extension 13, on Tuesday last week.

The incident occurred at about 3pm in the afternoon.

According to the victim’s mother, Ms Jane Nkosi, her child was well and healthy when he was left in the care of his nanny.

“I was at work when I received a phone call saying Themba was not feeling well. On arriving at home, I touched my child while I was speaking to him. That is when I realised he had died a few hours earlier,” she said.

Ms Nkosi said her child was clever and only cried when he needed something, like food.

Nkosi, the fourth child of his mother, was still learning to walk.

The victim was first seen by his sister, Duduzile Nkosi (19), who ran out onto the street looking for help.

“I was with my brother when his nanny went to the store. He was sleeping. Later, I checked on him and I found him vomiting,” she said.

According the nanny, Ms Martha Mathebula (47), she made food for the child.

“I also prepared food for myself, together with Duduzile. We ate and slept. Later, I hear Duduzile screaming that the child had died. I do not know what caused his death. What I know is that he loved sleeping,” she said.

Paramedics were called to the scene and the child was certified dead.

The Ivory Park SAPS communications officer, Warrant Officer Neldah Sekgobela, said an inquest case was registered.

“We are still waiting for the postmortem results, which will show the cause of death.The Ivory Park SAPS management is appealing to residents to take care of their children and ensure they are safe at all times,” she said.