By Anita Dangazele
- Police say a father beat and tied his fourteen year old son overnight, leading to the boy’s death in province.
- Officials report dozens of child abuse cases in Eastern Cape, including neglect and assault.
A 14-year-old boy has died after being beaten and tied up by his father in the Eastern Cape.
Police say the boy was assaulted with a sjambok and a stick on Monday night. He was then tied with a rope and left overnight.
The attack allegedly happened after the father discovered that the boy had used his bank card to buy goods at a local shop.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the child was assaulted and restrained. The boy was found dead at about 04:00 on Tuesday morning.
Acting Eastern Cape police commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso condemned the killing. She said violence can never be justified, even during moments of anger.
“This is a gruesome and heartbreaking tragedy. While we understand the frustrations of parenthood, violence is never the answer,” Kupiso said.
The boy’s death comes as the province records a growing number of child abuse cases.
The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development said 46 cases of child neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse were reported during December and January.
These included 20 cases of deliberate neglect, 23 cases of sexual abuse and three cases of physical abuse.
In another case, a 27-year-old woman from Kuyga in Gqeberha is facing charges of child neglect and abandonment.
Police say she left her eight-month-old baby outside on New Year’s Day. A resident found the baby crying outside a yard, wearing only a pair of pants.
Police officers bought food, clothes and nappies for the baby using their own money. The child was taken to a place of safety.
The mother was arrested on 2 January and released on warning. She is due to appear in the Gqeberha magistrate’s court on 4 February.
In a third case, a 59-year-old childminder appeared in court in Jeffreys Bay. A two-year-old girl was found with multiple stab wounds and is recovering in hospital.
Social development MEC Bukiwe Fanta warned that child abuse and abandonment will not be tolerated.
“Every child has the right to a safe and nurturing environment,” Fanta said.
Pictured above: Police lights.
Image source: File
