Soweto 'druggies' arrested for killing their child

A SOWETO couple arrested yesterday for the murder of their four-year-old daughter abused drugs, the woman's sister said.

Sunday World spoke to the sisters of the arrested mother, and they said this was the second child the couple had lost in three years.

They also said the man had been arrested in the past for abusing the same child.

Though the sisters don't know what drugs the two were taking, the couple's shack in Rockville told a horrid tale.

When Sunday World arrived, the two sisters were gathering the clothes of the dead girl.

They said it was not the first time they were going through this.

"We buried her three-day-old baby in 2010. And we thought we had seen the worst - until today."

A neighbour who called the police after he heard the child cry nonstop on Friday night said the couple didn't have any income and were cruel to their children.

They also have a five-month-old baby.

One of the woman's sisters said: "It's not for any lack of support or a place to stay. She chooses this man over the comfort and safety of home."

The other sister added: "Earlier this month [August] the same whistle-blower called the police after he heard the child's unbearable screams.

"He was arrested and stayed in prison for two days and our sister went to Jabulani police station to drop the charges.

"Even as we speak, she is still defending his actions because of these drugs."

It is believed that the child got the deadly beating for soiling herself.

Police say the girl had bruises on the left side of her face, her chest and thighs.

It is alleged that the mother was present during the incident.

The father's brother said he knew that the couple struggled financially.

He often helped them with leftovers from his catering business.

Soweto police spokesman Warrant Officer Kay Makhubela said the couple would appear at the Protea Magistrate's Court tomorrow.

ngudlea@sundayworld.co.za