Police in Malamulele, under the Vhembe District in Limpopo, are investigating the drowning of a toddler in Xigalo village.
The one-year-old girl died on Friday, according to Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
“Police received a complaint about a child who fell inside a dustbin that contained water and rushed to the vicinity. On arrival, police found the lifeless body of a one-year and-eight-month-old baby girl laying on the floor inside the house,” said Ledwaba.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the brother of the deceased (child) arrived at home at around 3pm, and that time the mother was busy with other chores.”
After a moment, the mother and other family members realised that the toddler was missing.
“They looked around and found the victim inside the dustbin that was full of water and pulled her outside while showing no signs of life. The EMS (emergency medical services) personnel were summoned to the scene, and on arrival they declared the toddler dead,” said Ledwaba.
Meanwhile, the provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has pleaded with parents and guardians of children across the province to be vigilant and alert about the safety of minors at all times.
Last month, IOL reported that serious allegations of learner abuse, including beatings, have emerged from the excursion where two Benoni learners from Daveyton Skills School drowned in the Hennops River near Centurion in Gauteng.
Speaking to journalists after visiting the families of Siphamandla Peterson, 15, and 17-year-old Sibusiso Sibiya - who died during the unsanctioned discipline camp held by non-governmental organisation Rising Stars Generation - Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said an independent law firm has been appointed to probe the disturbing allegations.
IOL