Toddler still in ICU with severe burn wounds
The social welfare office of the Middelburg Hospital is appealing for help and assistance from the public, in regards to two very sensitive cases of children with severe burn wounds.
One case involves a one-year-old boy, who was severely burnt with boiling water in the shack he shares with his mother.
The child sustained serious injuries to his face and upper body last month while playing in the tiny shack where he accidentally toppled a boiling kettle onto himself.
According to the social worker, the child is receiving good care from his mother, who is under immense stress and presently undergoing intensive therapy.
Also read: Mother, daughters burn to death in Ext. 6
The woman has three other children being cared for by grandparents, as her only income is from selling vegetables and fruit.
With the little she earns, the mother takes care of all four children, as well as her monthly rent.
The baby’s biological father passed away in 2018 when her son was four months old.
• The other case involves a 16-year-old teenager, whose house burnt down in Avalon on 5 August.
The child was also burnt badly in the fire, which destroyed all of the family’s belongings.
Also read: Parents charged after children burn to death on Christmas
• In both cases, it remains unclear when the children will be discharged from hospital, where they are still receiving intensive care.
Both families need urgent assistance with food, clothing and other necessities, like bedding and toiletries.
In the case of the baby, nappies, wet wipes, baby food like porridge and purity, toys, clothes, towels and other baby necessities are needed.
“Anything residents don’t want or need can be used, and we appeal to the heart of the community to help these struggling families,” the social worker told www.mobserver.co.za.
Anyone willing to assist can call the social worker on 013 249 3731 or 071 451 1332.
Other current stories:
Alleged baby-snatcher behind bars
Three suspects loose after break-in
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