Stabbed 2 year-old: Department welcomes arrest of suspect

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) welcomes the arrest of the woman alleged to have stabbed her 2 year-old son in the neck.

The South African Police Services (SAPS) must be commended for their efforts which resulted in yesterday’s arrest of the 27 year-old suspect who had fled to De Doorns.

The incident is alleged to have occurred last week (05-02-2017) at their residence in Makhaza (Khayelitsha), after which the suspect fled the scene. The 2 year-old toddler is in hospital, making a recovery, and DSD social workers, in line with the Children’s Act of 2005, have begun to work with the hospital’s team, to look into the further care of the child.

The suspect is expected to make a court appearance in the Khayelitsha today, and will be facing a charge of attempted murder. DSD will also look to assess the suspect to ascertain if there had been any psycho-social factors that led to this incident, and to render any required counselling.

DSD holds a zero-tolerance towards the neglect, abuse or harm of children in the province. The Department will continue to act in the best interests of all children in the province. The public can report any cases of child abuse to the DSD hotline on 0800 220 250.