Newcastle has been left reeling after a 32-year-old woman brutally attacked her three-year-old daughter, disembowelling the toddler, while also injuring her 10-year-old daughter with a knife. One week on, officials have confirmed that the youngest child is showing signs of recovery.
Constable Nonjabulo Langa outlined the current situation, saying, “The little girl is still in ICU and receiving medical care, however, she is recovering from her injuries and has undergone an operation. On top of this, her and her siblings have now been placed in the care of their father, who is ensuring that they receive the care needed during this difficult time.”
Paramedics who attended the scene claimed they have maintained contact with the child’s father and confirmed that, despite her critical condition, the toddler is slowly stabilising and recovering.
For those who do not recall, the incident occurred on Thursday, 11 September 2025, when a construction worker noticed the older sister running around the house and heard screams from inside. With the front door locked, the worker forced entry through a window and witnessed the woman stabbing her child in the abdomen, causing catastrophic injuries that left the child’s internal organs exposed.
To read more, click here.
The mother now faces two counts of attempted murder and has claimed that she was influenced by the devil at the time. However, Constable Langa emphasised that the police will pursue the case with the utmost diligence. “It will be up to the courts to decide if she was mentally unfit at the time, but the SAPS will be looking at the crime and investigating the facts around it,” she said, making clear that, while such acts are extremely rare in Newcastle, law enforcement will not allow this type of crime to threaten community safety.
As the case progressed, unfounded rumours emerged online, falsely implicating another local family in the attack. Imran Ghafoor from the Newcastle Crime Fighters Task Team CCPA (Community Crime Prevention Association) stepped in after the wrongly accused family approached him in distress.
“The family lives in a completely different part of Newcastle and has no known connection to the accused. They are victims of misinformation,” said Ghafoor.
Constable Langa confirmed that these are unfounded rumours, asserting that the SAPS are confident in their suspect and that no other individuals are involved.
In response to the false accusations, the woman wrongly implicated, issued a statement denying any connection to the attack. “I am shocked and disappointed that such misinformation has been spread, and I appreciate the importance of clarity on this matter. I have not been involved in any such case, and I am committed to cooperating with relevant authorities should any investigation be required to clear my name,” she said.
She further cautioned the community against circulating rumours attempting to link her to the crime.
“In this regard, I wish to state that my legal team will be taking action against anyone found to be forwarding or disseminating these false allegations on social media or other platforms. Sharing or perpetuating this misinformation may lead to legal consequences,” she concluded.
The ongoing investigation and forthcoming court proceedings will not only determine accountability but also serve as a test of local systems designed to protect children and vulnerable family members, emphasising the need for vigilance, awareness, and coordinated community support.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Share your views in the comment section below.
Be sure to read, KZN Mosquito Outbreak: What Residents, Officials and Scientists Are Saying, in case you missed it.
