By BAKANG MOKOTO
A mother (23) has been sentenced to a three years imprisonment by the Warrenton Regional Court for child neglect. Ipeleng Tonyane, who resides in Ikhutseng Township, near Warrenton, failed to provide her baby (1) with basic needs.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the incident took place on 6 September 2022. Sam further said the court heard that Tonyane left her baby in the care of her aunt and returned after two months, to claim the child’s grant money from the aunt.
“The aunt refused as she (the mother) was not capable of looking after her own child. The aunt reported the matter to the police. The police investigations revealed a history of child neglect and placed the case on the court roll,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentence and commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant George Mosime, for ensuring that the perpetrators of child neglect are brought to book and protecting the rights of children, especially as the country will be observing Child Protection Week from 28 May to 4 June 2024.
The Guardian 