The Social Development Department of Mpumalanga, in KwaZulu-Natal province, has removed a 9-year-old girl from her aunt’s care after she was subjected to an inhumane torture in the name of discipline.
The Social department stepped in when a photo of the 9-year-old’s awful, bloody back went viral on Facebook.
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Identified only as Mamkhulu, the little girl was left with multiple wounds and lacerations days after the alleged brutality was inflicted on her by the aunt.
An appalled community member subsequently reported the matter to the Matsulu police. The resident who pleaded anonymity said the grade two pupil’s skin was still cut from the beating four days later.
“She looked like had been beaten with a sjambok. Her skin is cut in many places,” she said.
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Confirming the incident, the Matsulu police spokesperson, Nkomozakhe Khumalo said “The incident happened on, August 19. The picture was posted on Facebook and one concerned community member came to report the incident to the police station, police then went to the school where the girl attend.”
According to the police, the girl’s aunt defended her action in a statement, claiming she ‘punished’ the girl because she came home late.
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An assault case with an intention to cause grievous bodily harm has since been opened and the police have launched an investigation into the crime.