In a disturbing case of child abuse that has shocked the community of Bethlehem, Free State, a South African woman identified as Manapo Mokoena was arrested this week after severely beating her young daughter over R37 (approximately $2) in lost money. The incident came to light when a concerned witness shared photos of the abuse on Facebook, prompting swift intervention from authorities.
In a chilling admission, Mokoena showed no remorse for her actions, stating, “That’s why I slapped her with my hand and my intention was to kill her with my hand.”
The case took an even darker turn when the child’s stepfather revealed this wasn’t an isolated incident, confirming that Mokoena had a history of similarly violent behavior toward her daughter. This disclosure has raised serious questions about why previous incidents weren’t reported to authorities sooner.
Social workers immediately responded to the situation, ensuring the child received medical attention at a local hospital. Meanwhile, police took Mokoena into custody. The case has sparked outrage in the local community and highlighted ongoing concerns about child abuse in South Africa.
Child protection advocates have used this incident to call for increased vigilance and reporting of suspected child abuse cases. They emphasize that physical punishment of this severity is not only morally wrong but also a serious criminal offense under South African law.
The Department of Social Development is now involved in the case, working to ensure the long-term safety and well-being of the child. Officials have indicated that they will be conducting a thorough investigation into the family’s history and circumstances to determine the best course of action for the child’s future care.
Local authorities have urged community members to report any instances of child abuse they witness, reminding the public that protecting vulnerable children is everyone’s responsibility. The case is expected to proceed to court once investigations are complete, with Mokoena likely facing serious charges related to child abuse and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
