Welfare services not informed of baby in need

Social workers were never informed of the plight of the baby who was murdered in Welverdiend last week.

The eight-day old girl died in hospital on Friday after being raped by her father.

The Herald decided to ask welfare services whether anyone had informed them of this child being brought up in possibly unhealthy and dangerous circumstances.

“The Department was not aware as the matter was never brought to any of our offices,” says the spokesperson of the Department of Social Services in Gauteng, Ms Busi Kheswa.

She says the matter is now handled by the SAVF in Carletonville, which is funded by the Department.

“This organization indicated that were they also not aware of the case until recently as it was not reported to their offices. The organization is only aware of the father requesting food parcels and living with his mother,” says Kheswa.

She added that social workers will also interview the mother of the child to get more information and offer counselling to the family and do an assessment that will determine their needs, so as to come up with the best intervention plan to prevent other issues in future.

The area will also be targeted for substance abuse awareness.

Community members are encouraged to report any form of abuse to authorities such as the SAPS, nearest Social Development office or any Child Protection Organisation.

The SAVF can be contacted at 018 786 1016/8