The case against two boys who allegedly burnt a toddler was postponed in the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, Children of Fire said.
The organisation’s director, Bronwen Jones, said the case was postponed to next month because the court’s appointed probation officer had not completed a report on one of the boys’ social circumstances.
The two, aged 11 and 13, are accused of pouring boiling water over the two-year-old Seiso Ratswana’s groin and head.
”His ear, scalp and groin were badly damaged,” said Jones.
She said it is expected that the boys will be sent to a reform school as they are both too young for a juvenile prison.
Jones said the two pleaded guilty to attempted murder and the case was postponed to November 13 for judgement.
It will cost at least R437 000 to heal Seiso who is in care of the organisation, said Jones. ”Since July 2007 he has had two major operations, which were successful. But the child faces a long road to full recovery.” — Sapa