Tragic death of three-year-old boy in Eastridge prompts police inquest
An inquest has been initiated by Mitchell's Plain police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a three-year-old boy allegedly found in the care of his minor siblings.
Image: SAPS
Mitchell's Plain police have registered an inquest to investigate the death of a three-year-old Eastridge boy who was allegedly found in the care of his two minor siblings.
According to Mitchell's Plain police chief, Brigadier Brian Muller, officers responded to a complaint of a "sudden death" at a house in Olive Street, Eastridge on Wednesday, June 4, and found the boy's body on arrival.
"According to information received on the scene, the victim suffered from diarrhoea for about two weeks. The father went to work in the morning and left the deceased with two other minor siblings. The mother was reportedly sent away by the father three days ago. The reason is unknown at this stage," he said.
Deidre Petersen, Eastridge Neighbourhood Watch chairperson, said when watch members arrived at the scene, the parents of the children were not at home.
Ward councillor Norman Adonis, who visited the house where the child's body was found, said the house was not in a good state.
"The state of the house is not suitable for children, really. It is a sad affair. There is no bed, living room set, or proper kitchen cupboards. The house is not really a safe haven for the kids," he said.
Brigadier Muller said that once an autopsy is concluded, the findings will be sent to an inquest court to determine if there is any evidence of child neglect.
He added that the police have alerted the department of social development to the incident, as the boy was allegedly left in the care of his two minor siblings.
Esther Lewis, spokesperson for the Western Cape social development department, said the department cannot comment on the specifics of the case, but confirmed that it is investigating the matter.
"In general, if a report is received of possible neglect or abuse of children, social workers will conduct safety and risk assessments to determine the level of intervention needed to safeguard the child or children, and other interventions for family members where appropriate.
"These interventions are all based on the individual outcomes of assessments. We strongly urge anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected to report this to their nearest DSD office, a designated child protection organisation, or the police," Ms Lewis said.
Anyone with information about the incident may contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.