A full scale investigation has been ordered following the death of a nine-month-old boy at a crèche in Verulam.
KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza, who has ordered the investigation, said it was important for law enforcement agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s untimely death while under the care of the creche.
It is believed that it was the child’s first day at crèche and that he had been found unresponsive by a caregiver at the crèche.
Reaction Unit South Africa’s (RUSA) Prem Balram said the caregiver contacted them and that their team of medics, upon arrival at the crèche, had examined the child who showed no signs of life.
“A large crowd had already gathered there. The child was naked and wrapped in a blanket. The baby was sadly already dead by the time we got there,” said Mr Balram.
He said according to a statement given to them by the owner of the crèche, the baby had been enrolled on Tuesday morning.
“He apparently fell asleep while being fed. Caregivers went to check on him a few hours later and found that he appeared to be sleeping peacefully but was not breathing,” said Mr Balram.
“We are extremely shocked by the incident, but we pin our trust on the police to get to the bottom of this. The family and the wider public deserve to know what happened and whether any negligence or malpractice played a role. This incident underscores the need for stringent regulations and standards in childcare centres to ensure the safety and well-being of children,” said Ms Khoza.
She said parents must have peace of mind when leaving their children in the hands of professionals in day care centres.
“The loss of such a young life is an unimaginable tragedy and it is the responsibility of society to uphold the highest levels of care and safety in all such facilities,” she added.
Ms Khoza said the department had also assigned a team of social workers to the family and members of the daycare centre for psycho-social support.
The boy’s family did not want to speak to the media.
