Bethal court postpones the woman’s bail application, facing charges of alleged child abuse
The 10-year-old eMzinoni girl is now in a place of safety after allegedly enduring regular abuse by her aunt.
A 36-year-old woman appeared in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on August 7 on charges of child abuse. She was arrested on August 5 at around 23:00 after eMzinoni police spokesperson Sergeant Cynthia Mtshweni received a tip-off about the suspected abuse of a 10-year-old girl.
The incident reportedly took place in Extension 6.
Mtshweni and police officers responded swiftly and rushed to the provided address, where the girl was reportedly being regularly beaten by her aunt. The woman who was arrested is the eldest sister of the child’s mother.
“A concerned source, who wished to remain anonymous, said she witnessed the young girl endure ongoing physical abuse that resembled brutal attacks rather than discipline,” said Mtshweni.
The witness described the beatings as so violent that the child often cried uncontrollably and hid to avoid further punishment. According to Mtshweni, the little girl appears to be emotionally drained and deeply traumatised.
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“In a shocking turn of events, the girl attempted to take her own life by pointing a knife at her neck, pleading to be released from what she described as a life full of pain,” said Mtshweni.
She said this act raised serious concerns about the emotional and psychological toll the abuse was taking on the girl. Mtshweni and the station commander, Captain Lucky Nkosi, intervened.
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit immediately removed the girl and took her to a hospital for examination and treatment. The child is now in a place of safety. According to Mtshweni, the police will arrest more people in this case.
“This tragic incident has sparked broader conversations about the child’s safety and the responsibility of guardians to protect, not harm. The Department of Social Development is being urged to investigate the matter and provide support and protection for the child,” concluded Mtshweni.
The woman’s court case was postponed to August 14 for a formal bail application. She will remain in custody.
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