Baby Joshua (also known as Daemon) Botha was laid to rest in the Greenhills Cemetery on the afternoon of 29 February. He passed away on 17 February after allegedly being abused by his 26-year-old father.
The service, which was held at the Gemeentes van Christus Church in Randgate, was led by Pastor Desmond Wessels.
A small group of friends and family came in support of Joshua’s mother Christene Botha, her husband Robert Putter, mother in law Brenda Williams-Ludick and the accused’s mother, Joshua’s grandmother.
Pastor Wessels had a difficult task to bring hope to friends and family, since Joshua was only a month and three days old when he passed away from injuries allegedly caused by child abuse. But the pastor’s message that Joshua’s life was not in vain, was welcomed and comforting.
During the service a few people, including Botha’s husband Robert Putter surrendered their lives to God.
Putter read a letter to Botha, saying he was looking for a way to ease his wife’s pain.
Williams-Ludick read an emotional letter Botha had written to Joshua, saying, “If I knew I had such a short time with you, I never would have laid you down; I would have kissed you all the time…”
Botha was weeping throughout.
Williams-Ludick expressed thanks to friends, the community, family and McFadden’s Funerals. She also thanked Jeanmare Siebert for all her help and support.
After the service, the mother of the accused was seen sobbing at Joshua’s coffin, but was not seen at the Greenhills Cemetery.
Her son, Joshua’s father, is being held at the Krugersdorp Correctional facility, awaiting his court appearance. Randfontein Police are investing the case.
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Also read:
Allegedly murdered baby’s funeral date announced
UPDATE: Alleged baby abuser arrested
BREAKING NEWS: Baby allegedly abused by father has died
Mother of alleged abused baby speaks out
Baby-abuse allegations surface
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