Burns And Fractured Skull! Father Arrested For Beating, Burning Two-Month-Old Son

A 21-year-old Hout Bay father appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, accused of brutally assaulting his two-month-old baby and burning him with a cigarette to stop him from crying.

The infant is being treated at Red Cross Children’s Hospital, where doctors suspect he may have sustained a fractured skull.

‘Father Beat and Burned the Baby’

According to the state’s account, the incident occurred at about 3am on Sunday, 9 November 2025, when the child began crying inside the family’s home in Die Sloot, Hout Bay.

“The accused became frustrated, took the infant from his mother and began to assault him,” the state said. “He hit the child on the back and the bum. The mother took the child and put him to sleep.”

When the mother woke later that morning, she found that the infant had been burned. The state alleged the father used a cigarette to burn the child’s face.

Inside court, the child’s mother and grandmother wept as the prosecutor read the details of the alleged attack. The accused, wearing a blue hooded jacket, appeared emotional when he saw his family in the gallery.

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He faces a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and the state said it may consider upgrading the charge depending on the baby’s medical outcome.

Community Outrage and Swift Arrest

The Hout Bay Community Policing Forum (CPF) said it was “deeply shocked and outraged” by the assault, commending the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit and local police for their quick response.

“The SAPS acted swiftly, and the suspect has since been arrested. We extend heartfelt appreciation to the GBV Ambassadors for ensuring the matter was immediately reported to authorities,” said the CPF.

Family members outside court said they were praying for justice.

“These things you see on social media, but when it happens to your own family, it’s different. We are hurt, but grateful the baby is still alive,” said the baby’s great-grandfather, Isaac Williams.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect was initially charged with attempted murder. The case has been postponed to 19 November for further investigation.

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