Baby suffers severe burns while parents party – Calvinia court delivers sentence

A CASE of child neglect has shocked the small Northern Cape community of Calvinia after a five-month-old baby boy suffered severe burns in a disturbing incident that has now led to his parents being sentenced.

According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock, the child - now in the care of a guardian - was injured in July last year when his parents, reportedly drinking with family, removed a pot of boiling food from the stove and placed it into the same pram with the baby. The scalding contents severely burned the infant’s legs and stomach.

What’s more, the injured child was only taken to hospital the following day, raising questions about the parents’ state of mind and the safety of children in such an environment.

The 65-year-old father and 30-year-old mother were arrested soon after the incident and appeared in the Calvinia Regional Court. Following a plea agreement, they were each recently sentenced to five years for child neglect, wholly suspended for the same period. The baby was also removed from their care

The case was investigated by the Calvinia SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Authorities have applauded the efforts of the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Jaco Swartz, whose work ensured that justice was served and that the child was removed from danger.

Lieutenant-Colonel Kock said that the police have reiterated their commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society, especially children, as part of their broader fight against gender-based violence and child abuse. They’ve emphasised that incidents of this nature will not be taken lightly, and that holding caregivers accountable remains a top priority.

This tragic case serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that arise when children are left in the care of irresponsible adults – and a call to communities to speak out when they suspect neglect.