JEFFREYS BAY – A 59-year-old childminder (woman) was arrested after a two-year-old toddler (girl) was found with open wounds in Jeffreys Bay on New Year’s Day.
According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, on Thursday, 01 January 2026, at around 04:00, police were called to a report of an injured child at a house in Govan Mbeki Street, Tokyo Sexwale, Jeffreys Bay.
“At the scene, police found a two-year-old girl with open wounds to her upper body.”
She added, “It is unknown how the victim sustained the injuries, as the childminder was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. The victim was taken to hospital, where she was admitted for medical attention.”
A 59-year-old suspect is due to appear in the Humansdorp Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, 05 January 2026, facing charges of child neglect and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
The acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, was shocked and expressed her dismay: “It is disturbing and shocking that priority was given to entertainment and alcohol over the safety of a helpless child.
“The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit will conduct a thorough investigation, with the involvement of the Department of Social Development,” Kupiso concluded.
