The parents of a 3-year-old toddler from Elands Bay, who died more than a year and a half ago, appeared in the Piketberg Magistrates’ Court on Monday 26 September, when it became clear there may be more to his death than an alleged accident at home.
According to Captain Tania Helfrich, a police spokesperson for the West Coast District, the boy died on 20 February 2021 after he allegedly accidentally consumed paraffin. However, the post-mortem report that was finally received by the police earlier this month confirmed the cause of the toddler’s death was a broken sternum.
The boy’s father (31) and mother (29) were arrested on charges of murder and child neglect.
In another local child abuse case, a couple from Atlantis accused of abusing and assaulting their 10-month-old baby were granted bail on 19 September, although the father has apparently not yet paid. The baby was admitted to hospital with a cracked skull and bruised ribs.
The latest issue of Weskus Nuus, Weslander’s sister publication in Atlantis, reported the baby has since recovered and been placed in safe care. The couple will appear in court again on 11 November.
