The Warrenton Regional Court has handed down a three-year direct prison sentence to a mother for failure to provide her one-year-old baby with basic needs

Ipeleng Tonyane (23) from Ikhutseng, Warrenton, was found guilty of neglecting her baby since 2022, said Sgt. Timothy Sam, Northern Cape police spokesperson. “The court heard the accused left her baby in the care of her aunt, only returning after two months to claim the child’s grant money from the aunt.”

The aunt refused as the mother was incapable of looking after her child, and reported the matter to the police.

‘There has been a history of child neglect’

During police investigations it was revealed there has been a history of child neglect, police then placed the case over to the Court roll.

The court found the accused guilty and imposed a three-year direct prison sentence for child neglect.

“Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt. Gen. Koliswa Otola welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating officer, Detective Sgt. George Mosime for ensuring that perpetrators of child neglect are brought to book and protecting the rights of children especially as we as a country will be observing Child Protection Week from 28 May to 4 June,” said Sam.

‘In 2021, a mother was arrested on child negligence charges’

In a similar incident in 2021, a mother (22) abandoned her son. Due to his young age, he was unable to inform police officials what his address was. She was arrested on child negligence charges.

Also in 2021, in the North West, a man (24) was arrested in connection with the murder of a four-year-old girl.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony mvh