Contradicting versions after childs death fall in Verulam

A 4-year-old boy died after falling nearly 15 meters through a window of a third floor flat on Ireland Street in Verulam – Kwazulu Natal.

Initial reports received were that the toddler’s mother and his stepfather were arguing when the child was allegedly pushed through an open window. Armaan Cassim suffered life-threatening injuries and was hastily transported privately to Umhlanga Hospital where he later succumbs to his injuries. His body was then transported to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital (MGMH) where an autopsy was conducted.

Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) received multiple calls from the child’s paternal family who stated that the boy had been murdered and his 30-year-old mother and her 39-year-old husband were on the run. Four (4) adults were in the flat at the time of the incident.

RUSA received information that the couple had returned to their flat this afternoon. Reaction Officers proceeded to Ireland Mews and on arrival were met by the stepfather and his elderly dad. They explained that the child had opened the window and fell out. His stepfather confirmed that he rushed the critically injured boy to Umhlanga Hospital. He was unaware that the deceased child had been transferred to a Provincial Hospital. The child’s mother was in her flat while funeral arrangements were being concluded by her ex-husbands family.

The infant’s stepfather also informed Reaction Officers that his wife’s family arrived at the complex after hearing of the child’s death and assaulted his elderly mother. The gang also allegedly stoned his VW Touran.

RUSA later received an anonymous call from a man who is believed to be a foreign national claiming that the child was thrown out of the window during an argument. He ended the call without providing any further details with a promise to meet Reaction Officers later and provide a statement to the Investigating Officer.

An investigation into the child’s death is currently underway.