Residents fuming: Mother who Burnt Baby Released
Police say proper investigative procedures should be followed
Residents are fuming over the release of the mother and her friend who burnt a newborn baby in Westdene last week.
The 24-year-old woman who is accused of burning her baby is out on investigative procedure according to Jerbes De Bruin warrant officer for Sophiatown Police Station.
“She appeared in court on a charge of concealment of birth but we are investigating whether the child was dead or alive upon the incident.“A post-mortem will reveal this but until then we cannot hold her in custody,” said De Bruin.
But residents feel otherwise saying the mother should be locked up.
Catherine Brent said offenders of petty crimes receive harsher sentences.
“They are not released but these girls are walking free.
“Whether the child was dead or alive I feel she deserves a very harsh punishment,” said Brent.
Filda Moor said the justice system in South Africa has failed residents once again.
“The reason for an increase in crime is because the offenders get away with it easy.
“If this is how the police station handles cases then a lot of perpetrators will get away,” said Moor.
In recent social media outbursts, many deem the crime “senseless and inhumane.
Further updates on the case will be provided.
Also read: Mother burns baby
116 babies dumped or abandoned this year
