Daemon (Joshua) Botha, the baby that died due to alleged abuse by the father, will be laid to rest on Monday, 29 February.
On 8 February Daemon’s mother, Christene Botha, 23, allegedly left Daemon with his grandmother, not knowing she would leave the three-week-old in her son’s care for the night. The next day when Botha went to fetch her baby, Daemon allegedly had an injury to his lip and blue marks across his body.
They took their child to the clinic, but the alleged father then disappeared. A case of child abuse was opened on 12 February. After having been admitted to two separate government hospitals, Daemon died on the morning of 17 February while on life support. The next day Daemon’s alleged father was apprehended and arrested.
He is being held at the Krugersdorp Correctional facility. Randfontein Police have not confirmed the date of his appearance in court.
Daemon’s body was sent for an autopsy, since the case was changed from child abuse to murder following his passing. Community members followed the story with interest, many of them saying they would love for Daemon to have a beautiful funeral and even offered their help.
Daemon’s funeral service will be held on Monday 29 February at the Gemeentes van Christus church at 63 Henning Street, Randgate at 2pm.
Botha said anybody who wishes to attend the funeral is welcome. Brenda Williams-Ludick said if anybody would be able to help with providing refreshments after the service, it would be greatly appreciated, as the family is unable to do so.
Please contact Brenda on 072 542 7455 if you are able to help.
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Also read:
UPDATE: Alleged baby abuser arrested
BREAKING NEWS: Baby allegedly abused by father has died
Mother of alleged abused baby speaks out
Baby-abuse allegations surface
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