BEHIND BARS: Ouma gets 10 years
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A LIMPOPO ouma has been sentenced to 10 years innie mang for assault on her bed-wetting four-year-old grandson.
In a harrowing case, the Morebeng Regional Court convicted the 43-year-old grandmother from Botlokwa despite her plea of not guilty of assault to cause grievous bodily harm, following a chilling account of abuse presented through the testimonies of several witnesses, including neighbours and her former boyfriend.
The case, brought to light by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), was described by NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi as one of appalling child cruelty.
According to the NPA, the abuse began in 2023 when the grandmother reportedly lashed out at the boy, punishing him for bedwetting.
Not only did witness state that she hit the child with a boomlat repeatedly but even threatened to cut the boy’s private parts.
The laaitie sustained multiple scars on his body and face. This disturbing behaviour did not go unnoticed; concerned neighbours intervened, and it was the grandmother’s then-boyfriend who ultimately reported the abuse, leading to her arrest.
Malabi-Dzhangi says: “The victim lived in constant fear, knowing that any instance of bedwetting could lead to further physical harm. The state contended that there were no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence."
Meanwhile, advocate Ivy Thenga, the Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, reiterated the NPA's unwavering zero-tolerance policy on child abuse. Thenga commended advocate Kgatla and the collaborative efforts of all parties involved in delivering justice for the vulnerable victim.