A stepmother who allegedly drowned a three-year-old girl as well as attempted to take her own life by slitting her wrists in the south of Johannesburg, appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court this week.

The incident occurred on January 27 when the Glenvista CPF received a report about a three-year-old girl found seriously injured in Mulbarton. CPF members and security companies including FOX Security, CPS, Reaper Tactical and ambulances rushed to the scene.

According to Mondeor CPF spokesperson, Mike Fontes, the girl was found with a faint pulse but otherwise non-responsive.

“CPR was administered, and she was rushed to the nearby Mulbarton Netcare Hospital where she died shortly thereafter. It appears that the three-year-old’s stepmother or the child’s father’s girlfriend drowned the baby in the bathtub and then attempted suicide by slitting her wrists.

“The woman also received emergency medical attention and was taken to hospital, under police guard, and recovered from her injuries.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo says the suspect was arrested and had already appeared in court.

“The woman was charged with murder and detained. She appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court where she was expected to apply for bail,” says Fontes.

The investigating officer at Mondeor SAPS and the NPA are opposing her bail, for among other reasons that she is a danger to the community and a flight risk.

NPA Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane says bail was not granted and the matter was remanded until February 21 for further investigations.

Fontes says this incident highlights the need for mental health and for persons or families facing challenges to seek help from professionals or social services.

“SAPS have a dedicated Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit trained to investigate and assist children in need of care. Most police stations have social workers assigned to them and a social crime prevention unit that can help those in need.

“It also highlights the need to report any child who is exposed to danger or neglect to the authorities so that they can get help. If you know of a child in need of care do not hesitate to report this. If you see something, say something. We cannot help but think that this travesty should have been averted.

“In the Mondeor Policing precinct, we also have a victim empowerment unit with trained counsellors that can also assist those in need. This free service can be accessed by calling or sending a WhatsApp to their duty phone on 076 152 9705.

“You can also visit the Mondeor Police Station, which has a dedicated victim empowerment room where you can speak to a SAPS social crime prevention officer or VSU counsellor, in confidence.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased baby girl and her family,” says Fontes.