Eldorado Park toddler dies following alleged assault by father

A 32-year-old man from Eldorado Park is now facing charges of murder and rape following the death of his 4-year-old daughter, who succumbed to severe injuries sustained in a brutal assault earlier this week.

The child who suffered severe head trauma, bruises, and a swollen eye, succumbed to her injuries at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on Friday afternoon.

She had been fighting for her life in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) since Wednesday, when police discovered her in a locked backyard shack in Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg.

Police were alerted by neighbors reporting a man assaulting his child at the property in Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg. Upon arrival, officers discovered the young girl lying critically injured on a bed inside the shack.

The father, who was unable to explain the child’s injuries, was arrested immediately. Following further investigations by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, the children’s mother was also arrested and charged with defeating the ends of justice.

Her younger brother, who was also found in the shack, has since been placed in a safe care facility.

The father initially appeared in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Friday facing charges of attempted murder and compelled rape, but these were upgraded to murder after the child’s passing.

His case was postponed to August 12, when he is expected to apply for bail.

Ward 18 councillor, Juwairiya Kaldine, described the discovery on Wednesday as harrowing and criticised the police for what residents say was a delayed response to the assault.

Councillor Kaldine also expressed deep sadness over the child’s death, highlighting that violent incidents and child neglect have become a worrying trend in Eldorado Park.

She added that funeral arrangements are still being finalised, but the girl’s maternal family intends to bury her in the Eastern Cape.

The family’s landlord told YNews that the couple had a toxic relationship since moving into the property two months ago.

The father is expected to be joined in the dock by the child’s mother, who is eight months pregnant.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe