Mother arrested for severely beating 7-year-old son
A woman was arrested for badly beating her own son on Sunday and released on Wednesday after her court appearance.
KAMHLUSHWA – A woman was arrested on Sunday afternoon at 13:00 after community members reported that she was assaulting her seven-year-old son.
He was beaten so badly that officers took him to hospital for treatment and the case was turned over to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
He had bruises all over his body. It is not known what sparked the assault.
The woman appeared in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on a charge of child abuse and, according to Const Nomsa Luphoko of Tonga SAPS, was released. The exact details and conditions of the release is not yet known.
On Tuesday afternoon the child was still being treated in hospital and will be taken into the care of social workers once he is released.
KaMhlushwa station commander, Capt Mzwandile Nyambi expressed his concern over the incident. He stated that officials from Social Crime Prevention are running several programmes to deal with issues such as domestic violence and child abuse.
READ: Take legal steps to stop domestic violence
He urged the community to seek help if they encounter challenges in raising their children and to continue reporting incidents of domestic violence to the police.
This assault occurred on the first day of the annual 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children.
Police and government run the campaign every year and host several events aimed at advocacy and assisting victims.
Although the issue is in the spotlight between November 25 and December 10 each year, community members are urged to actively report abuse and other crimes against women and children.
READ: Know the warning signs of child abuse
Childline defines child abuse as anything a parent or caretaker does or does not do which harms the child’s body or development.
This includes everything from hitting them repeatedly until they are bruised or calling them bad names to neglecting their health and safety.
Signs that a child is being abused include unexplained bruises and wounds, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and attention-seeking behaviour.
If you suspect a child is being abused, talk to them gently and let the child explain in their own words. Make sure you do not make them feel like you are interrogating them and that you will keep them safe.
Report the incident to a social worker or police officer.
For assistance, call the Gender-based Violence Helpline on 0800-428-428 or dial *120*7867 from a cellphone, Childline on 0800-055-555 or Crime Stop on 08600-10111.
READ: Organisation raises awareness of child trafficking
To support the campaign, wear a red or white ribbon or volunteer at a local NGO, community group or victim empowerment centre at a police station. Volunteers can approach drop-in or care centres or schools and assist them.
