Woman seen in shocking child abuse video appears in court
A woman who was seen violently assaulting her one-year-old child in a video that went viral has appeared in court.
Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said the father of the toddler brought the matter to the attention of law enforcement on Saturday.
"A case of assault was registered and the matter was immediately transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection, Sexual Investigations Unit.
"The mother appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday, and was released."
Masondo said the case was not placed on the court roll.
"The SAPS was instructed to first collect both cell phones of both parents for further investigation. The SAPS has already begun with the processing of the cell phones concerned."
At the same time, the Gauteng Department for Social Development confirmed that the child has been taken away from the mother.
"The child was taken to a children's home after he received a full health assessment at hospital to verify the extent of injury from the ordeal," said MEC Mbali Hlope.
"The child is currently receiving treatment under the warm embrace of our childcare workers.
"It’s horrendous that this incident takes place during Women’s Month when we should be celebrating women and promoting exemplary female figures.
"We condemn such acts of child abuse and make a call to society to stamp out child abuse and to report such acts immediately.
"We owe it to our children to create a safe and loving environment for them."
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