Nelspruit: 13 October 2022 - A Domestic Violence incident nearly claimed the life of a three year old boy at Msholozi in Kwamhlanga on Sunday, 09 October 2022.
A report indicates that the boy's parents who are no longer in a relationship were involved in a scuffle. The father is said to have snatched the child from his mom then ran to a shack and allegedly sliced his throat.
The mother who had previously applied for a Protection Order against the man, immediately alerted the police that the child was forcefully taken from her by the man. Police swiftly responded and located the child's father at his residential place. Upon noticing the police, the man is said to have somehow fled to evade an arrest, leaving the boy in the shack. Upon inspection, police realised that the child was bleeding and had a wound on his throat. The victim was then taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Meanwhile police intensified their probe which led to the arrest of a 29 year old man. He is expected to appear at Kwamhlanga Magistrate's Court today, Thursday, 13 October 2022 facing a charge of attempted murder. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against him in relation to contravention of a Protection Order.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly denounced the violent behaviour that was directed to an innocent child. "This is a shameful act allegedly committed by a father against his own flesh and blood. We are really concerned as to the kind of example we are setting for our children. Parents should never abuse children by using them as shield or weapons to fight their domestic battles. We hope the court will deal decisively with perpetrators of violence against the vulnerable groups." said the General.