Safety assessment underway for infant allegedly burnt by Hout Bay father
The Department of Social Development is conducting a safety assessment for a two-month-old infant from Hout Bay, who was allegedly burnt with a cigarette by his father, highlighting urgent concerns over child protection.
Image: Supplied
The Department of Social Development (DSD) has confirmed it will be conducting a Safety and Risk Assessment relating to the well-being of the two-month-old infant from Hout Bay who was allegedly assaulted and burnt by his father.
Esther Lewis, spokesperson for DSD told Cape Argus while the infant was being treated at Red Cross Children’s Hospital, their teams would intervene and carry out an assessment, once the medical treatment is completed.
“The Department cannot comment on the specifics of the matter. However, contact has been made," Lewis said.
"Generally, once a child has received the necessary medical care, DSD social workers are contacted to conduct a Safety and Risk Assessment,” Lewis explained.
“The outcome of the assessment will determine further interventions in safeguarding the child.”
On Tuesday, November 12, infant’s 21-year-old father made an appearance at the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court where he is facing a charge of assault to cause grievous bodily harm.
The state revealed the baby had been beaten on the buttocks and back and that he had been burnt, allegedly by his father to stop him from crying while the mother was present inside their Hout Bay home on November 9.
The infant’s family revealed that doctors believed he had suffered a fractured skull and has a burn mark on his face and a knob at the back of his head.
The case was postponed to November 19, 2025 for bail information.
Siya Monakali of GBV organisation, Ilitha Labantu said the incident represented another systematic failure: “Despite the existence of legal frameworks and institutional mandates meant to safeguard children, lapses in accountability, coordination, and community vigilance persist, allowing violence to occur unchecked. This case exposes the urgent need for stronger protective mechanisms, particularly at community level where social workers, police, and child protection networks must respond in a timely and coordinated manner.
“Ilitha Labantu calls for the strengthening of interdepartmental collaboration between the Department of Social Development, SAPS, and the justice system to ensure effective child protection services and swift prosecution of offenders."
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