Who exactly is responsible for Baby Joshua’s tragic death remains a mystery.
A healthy baby Joshua weighing 3,5 kilograms was born in a state hospital on 14 January 2016, but three weeks later on 17 February he sadly died after alleged abuse by his then 26-year-old father. He was laid to rest in the Greenhills Cemetery on the afternoon of 29 February.
At the time, Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson, confirmed that, “Initially, a case of child abuse was opened at the Randfontein Police, but with the death of the baby, the charge will be changed to murder”.
In an unfortunate twist, Ernst confirmed to the Herald on Monday, 23 January of this year, “The case against the man who was widely sought on social media has been withdrawn in court due to insufficient evidence. The investigation into the matter is still continuing.”
On 12 February 2016 the Herald spoke to Christene Botha, 23, Joshua’s mother about her baby boy. At that stage he was in the state hospital because of the injuries he had sustained, allegedly while being abused. Social media users started a witch hunt against the baby’s father after his picture was posted on Facebook.
On 12 October 2016, the Herald interviewed Brenda Williams-Ludick, 49, grandmother to Baby Joshua to find out whether there has been any progress in the case. She said she was sad but also disappointed in the state hospital and police because up to date, nobody has been arrested or held accountable for the tragic death of her grandchild. She alleged the father was arrested but released in June the same year – a statement the police did not confirm.
Ernst added, “As indicated in our previous press release, dated 12 February 2016, the importance of proper investigation into ‘rumours’ should be done before incriminating people in the media and on social media. It could be regarded as defamation of character and lead to civil action.”
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Baby burned to death while mom was away
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