A Domestic Violence incident nearly claimed the life of a three-year-old boy at Msholozi in Kwamhlanga on Sunday, 09 October 2022.
A report indicates that the boy’s parents who are no longer in a relationship were involved in a scuffle. The father is said to have snatched the child from his mom then ran to a shack and allegedly sliced his throat.
The mother who had previously applied for a Protection Order against the man immediately alerted the police that the child was forcefully taken by the man. Police swiftly responded and located the child’s father in his residential place. Upon noticing the police, the man is said to have somehow fled to evade an arrest, leaving the boy in the shack. Upon inspection, police realized that the child’s throat had a wound. The victim was then taken to the hospital where he is receiving medical treatment.
Meanwhile, police intensified their probe which led to the arrest of a 29-year-old man. He is expected to appear at Kwamhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 13 October 2022 facing a charge of attempted murder. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against him in relation to contravention of a Protection Order.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly denounced the violent behavior that was directed at an innocent child. “This is a shameful act allegedly committed by a father against his own flesh and blood. We are really concerned as to the kind of example we are setting for our children. Parents should never abuse children by using them as shields or weapons to fight their domestic battles. We hope the court will deal decisively with perpetrators of violence against the vulnerable groups.” said the General.