While the welfare of children often falls through the cracks of society, the Helderberg community marks the triumph of regard for a young life tragically lost too soon, but one which mattered – so much so that action was prioritised.
Last week, a local mother of four was convicted of culpable homicide and child abuse after fatally neglecting her 19-month-old daughter, who lost the fight against untreated infection back in 2017. As if the details of what transpired and insight into the apparent harsh street life the infant was born into isn’t shocking enough, more horrific are the questions: How was she failed so gravely? Where were the child protection services tasked to safeguard children? Why didn’t the mother ask for help instead of watching her child suffer until the end?
Fortunately, authorities sought accountability instead of simply just moving the case, for which an inquest docket was initially opened, through the court system.
The heart-wrenching loss of this child’s life must inspire us to champion the collective fight of keeping our children safe and be the village which helps raise tomorrow’s leaders.
