A baby was bitten to death by rats at Orlando East in Soweto while her mother was out partying on the weekend, the New Age newspaper reported on Thursday.
Neighbours said they heard the baby cry in pain in the middle of the night. By morning the baby was found dead, covered in bloody rat bites.
The teenage mother apparently spent the whole night partying while her child was left unattended.
Arrested
Warrant Officer Bongani Mhlongo said the girl was arrested on Monday, appeared at the Orlando Magistrate’s court and was released on bail.
“We were called to the scene of the death of the infant due to a rat attack on Monday morning at about 9am. The mother of the child was arrested and charged with culpable homicide and negligence,” Mhlongo said.
He said the baby was covered in blood and was not dressed warmly.
“The child was not dressed warmly, so cold might have contributed to her death.” — Sapa