The Gauteng social development department has denied suicide rumours about a one-year-old baby’s mother who filmed herself assaulting her son.
On Thursday, reports that she had committed suicide circulated on social media.
“The department has established the mother is alive and awaiting court proceedings,” said spokesperson Nkosana Mtolo.
Lt-Col Mavela Masondo, a spokesperson for Gauteng police, also denied that the mother committed suicide.
“Police don’t have a report of such a suicide. The investigation in the case of child abuse and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm is continuing,” he said.
The video sent shockwaves across the country, fueling calls for the mother’s arrest. The video, in which the toddler’s mother kicks and stands on his neck while he lies helpless on the ground, went viral earlier this month.
The toddler has subsequently been moved to a safe location.
