Dad with custody/visitation rights jailed for abuse death of 3-week-old son (South Africa)

Once again, you have to read between the lines. The mother has a husband who is not the biological father. Therefore, this violent sperm donor apparently had some relationship with the mother that didn't even last through the pregnancy. Some how, he was granted custody/visitation of a newborn, which is sheer foolishness. It is terrible for infants to be separated from their caregivers at this age. It was particularly foolish to grant this sh**head any access. But fathers rights, ya know.

UNNAMED DAD

http://www.citizen.co.za/1015222/update-baby-joshua-laid-to-rest/

‘Abused’ baby laid to rest
arly
Maritza van Zyl

The three-week-old baby who died in hospital after being allegedly abused by his father, has been laid to rest on Sunday in Randgate, Randfontein, on the West Rand.

Randfontein police spokesperson Captain Appel Ernst confirmed a case of child abuse (assault to cause grievous bodily harm) was reported on February 12. It is alleged the baby, Joshua Botha, was taken to Baragwanath Hospital with bruises. The infant was hospitalised and his condition deteriorated. He was placed on life support and later died.

The baby’s maternal grandmother, Brenda Williams-Ludick, said when they arrived at the hospital the baby was still connected to the ventilator, but he already had passed away, Randfontein Herald reported.

In an emotional letter, the baby’s mother, Christene Botha, 23, said: “If I knew I had such a short time with you, I would have never laid you down, would have kissed you all the time.”

Baby Joshua was laid to rest in the Greenhills Cemetery.

The funeral service, which was held at the Gemeentes van Christus Church in Randgate was led by Pastor Desmond Wessels.

A small group of friends and family came in support of Joshua’s mother, her husband Robert Putter, mother-in-law Williams-Ludick and the accused’s mother, Joshua’s grandmother.

Botha was weeping throughout the service.

After the service, the mother of the accused was seen sobbing at Joshua’s coffin, but was not seen at the Greenhills Cemetery.

Her son, Joshua’s biological father, is being held at the Krugersdorp correctional facility. He is expected to appear in court soon.