10-month-old baby’s legs broken as child abuse probe launched in Saldanha

A 10-month-old baby from Saldanha along the West Coast was admitted to the hospital at the weekend after the child sustained severe injuries.

The MEC for Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, confirmed the incident and said social workers are conducting a child protection investigation after being alerted to the hospitalisation.

The MEC visited the child in hospital on Sunday to assess his condition and ensure the necessary child protection processes were being followed.

The baby’s older sibling has since been removed and placed into temporary safe care as the investigation unfolds.

“A criminal case was also opened yesterday, and the South African Police Service will investigate the circumstances surrounding the injuries,” Kaizer-Philander said.

“When the Department receives a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, a social worker conducts a safety assessment and, where necessary, removes children from an unsafe environment to ensure their immediate protection while the investigation is conducted,” Kaizer-Philander said.

“The matter will be brought before the Children’s Court within 48 hours, where all relevant parties are given an opportunity to make representations. The court then considers the temporary placement of the child while the social worker conducts a comprehensive investigation into whether the child is in need of care and protection,” Kaizer-Philander said.

The investigation includes interviews and assessments with family members and relevant stakeholders.

During the 2025/26 financial year, the Department of Social Development (DSD) received 6,737 reports of various forms of child abuse and neglect. Most reports were in the deliberate neglect category, followed by sexual abuse and physical abuse.

“As the newly appointed Provincial Minister of Social Development, I am fully committed to strengthening the protection and support of our most vulnerable communities, especially our children,” Kaizer-Philander said.

“I want to send an unequivocal warning to anyone who believes they can harm a defenceless child: we will not stand by and allow our children to be harmed. We will use every lawful means at our disposal to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and face the full might of the law. Our children cannot speak for themselves in every situation, which is why we must be their voice, their shield, and their strongest defenders. There must be no place in our communities for those who abuse or neglect children,” the MEC said.

Kaizer-Philander said protecting children is not just the responsibility of government.

“It is a shared responsibility. Every child deserves to grow up safe, protected and free from violence and abuse. We will do everything in our power to ensure that children are protected and that those who harm them are held accountable,” Kaizer-Philander said.

Anyone who becomes aware of suspected child abuse or neglect must report it immediately to their nearest DSD office or the relevant authorities.