No arrests after 10-month-old baby’s legs broken in Saldanha assault

No arrests have been made in connection with the assault of a 10-month-old baby in Saldanha, Western Cape, according to police. The child was hospitalized with severe leg injuries and is being treated at a hospital. The Department of Social Development (DSD) has taken over the case to ensure the safety of the baby and their older sibling.

Police are investigating the incident as a criminal matter, specifically under the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Vredenburg detectives are handling the case, which involves allegations of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The suspect has not yet been arrested, and police have declined to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the investigation.

The Department of Social Development was alerted to the situation and has removed the older sibling to a temporary safe location while the investigation proceeds. The child's condition is being closely monitored at the hospital, and the Department of Social Development will oversee the child protection processes. Incoming Social Development MEC Wendy Kaizer-Philander visited the baby in the hospital on Sunday to ensure that proper measures were being taken.

When a report of suspected child abuse or neglect is received, a social worker conducts a safety assessment and, if necessary, removes children from an unsafe environment to provide immediate protection during the investigation. The matter will be brought before the Children's Court within 48 hours, allowing all relevant parties to make their statements.

The court will then decide on the temporary placement of the child as the social worker completes a thorough investigation into whether the child requires care and protection.