JEFFREYS BAY– A Jeffreys Bay mother has spoken out after her two-year-old daughter survived a violent attack while left in the care of an elderly woman during the early hours of New Year’s Day. Alicia Nkutu, who lives in a block of flats in Jeffreys Bay with her daughter, Avelenkosi Nkutu says the incident occurred after she spent time with a neighbour on Christmas Day and again on New Year’s Eve.
According to Nkutu, plans to mark the New Year at a local tavern were initially declined due to her responsibility as a parent. She alleges that the neighbour then suggested leaving the child in the care of the neighbour’s mother, on condition that three bottles of stout be purchased for the elderly woman.
Nkutu agreed to the arrangement and says she fed her daughter and put her to sleep before taking her to the neighbour’s mother.
She further states that she paid R100 for babysitting, intended to cover the purchase of the drinks.
In the early hours of New Year’s Day as Nkutu and the neighbour were returning home, she noticed emergency vehicles near the house where her child had been left. Before she could approach the scene, she received a phone call informing her that her daughter had died.
Upon arrival, Nkutu found her child lying on the floor, covered with a green blanket. When she picked her up and called her name, she realised that Avelenkosi was still alive.
Furthmore, Nkutu says she then discovered that her daughter had sustained multiple stab wounds. The toddler was rushed to hospital, where she has since recovered. Nkutu alleges that the elderly caregiver claimed she was unaware of what had happened, stating that she only discovered the child’s condition after going to the toilet that morning.
According to Nkutu, the caregiver said she questioned her six-year-old grandchild, who also claimed not to know what had occurred.
In addition Police have since arrested the elderly woman in connection with the incident. The case is under investigation.
Nkutu has requested that the names of the neighbour and the neighbour’s mother not be published. She says she is still searching for answers about what happened to her daughter and is calling for swift justice.
“I just want to know what really happened to my child,” Nkutu said.
Photographs: supplied
