During a family dispute, a 17-month old KwaZulu-Natal child suffered burns which advanced to third-degree burns.
This was after boiling water was poured on her body.
In a statement on Sunday, the provincial social development department said social workers were present at the Northdale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, where the innocent child is receiving treatment.
Allegedly, a relative who was in a dispute with the little toddler’s mother, poured boiling water on the child.
“The incident of aggravated child abuse is very disturbing and has caused bodily harm to a child. Those responsible must be arrested and prosecuted, including those who tried to cover up the matter,” said Khoza.
However, the department is being of help to the mother, to register a case with the police which hasn’t been opened due to domestic issues.
Khoza sounded a note of warning to families to avoid covering up child abuse.
“Child abuse has no place in our families and society. We must join hands to end the horrendous incidents of child abuse. These cruel and barbaric acts against children should stop and that will happen only when communities stand up and ensure that those committing crimes against children are prosecuted and jailed,” she said.
