The three-week-old baby boy who allegedly was abused by his father has died.
Brenda Williams Ludick, the baby’s grandmother, informed the Herald the baby died at 8.45am on Wednesday morning.
Ludick said when they arrived at Baragwanath Hospital the baby was still connected to the ventilator, but he already had passed away.
On Friday 12 February, the baby’s condition deteriorated and he was transferred from Leratong Hospital to Baragwanath Hospital. On Sunday Botha was informed that if the baby’s condition did not improve, they would consider taking him off life support today (Wednesday).
The story made headlines on Facebook last week when community members posted the photo and name of the alleged father.
During an interviewed with the Herald on Monday 15 February, Botha gave her version of what had happened on Monday 8 February. At this stage, the whereabouts of the alleged father is still unknown.
“Initially, a case of child abuse was opened at the Randfontein Police, but with the death of the baby, the charge will be changed to murder,” Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson confirmed.
At this stage, considering the circumstances, the Herald has no comment from the baby’s mother, Christene Botha.
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Also read:
Mother of alleged abused baby speaks out
Baby-abuse allegations surface
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