By REGINALD KANYANE
27 December 2024 – A mother (21) and father (26), briefly appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 24 December 2024, for the alleged neglect of their 14 month-old baby girl in Tigane Township, near Hartbeesfontein.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said this comes after an incident, where police were called to a house in the early hours of Monday morning, 23 December 2024. Myburgh said the police were shown an abandoned baby girl, who was found crying in front of a yard.
“Initial police investigations indicated that the parents allegedly left their baby at home and went to a nearby tavern. Later, the mother sent the father back home to fetch the child, but he left the baby in the street after allegedly being chased by unknown person’s.
“The parents went to the police station when they could not find their child and were immediately arrested. The Department of Social Development was contacted and the baby was placed in the care of a relative,” she said.
Myburgh further said the accused persons were granted a R300 bail each. She added that their matter was postponed until 5 February 2025.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, condemned the incident and indicated that the child was neglected by someone, who was supposed to protect her. Asaneng urged all parents to always know where their children are, especially during the festive season and said the police will continue to work hard to ensure successful prosecution.
The Guardian 