Caregiver abandons deceased infant
A NGWELEZANA mother is seeking answers after returning from work on 16 June to find her three-month-old baby dead, and the family's nanny nowhere to be found.
Speaking out for the first time since the tragedy, Makabongwe Mabaso told the ZO she had been admitted to hospital for anxiety and depression after baby Simikahle Mthethwa's funeral.
'I went to work in the morning and I left my child with the nanny who had been working for me for two months,' recalled Mabaso.
'We were planning to go out later in the day, but while I was at work, I tried calling the nanny, and I could not reach her. I had a feeling something was wrong, and I went home after noon.'
Upon arriving home, she made the horrific discovery.
'The doors were unlocked, and I walked into the bedroom and found my child lying on the bed and not breathing.'
Recalling the moment that has haunted her for the past two weeks, Mabaso said the threemonth-old child was cold and stiff in her arms.
'Her mouth was dark green, but I did not want to believe that she was gone,' said the inconsolable mother. 'My husband phoned me, and I told him that our baby had passed on and that I could not find the nanny anywhere, nor could I reach her on the phone as her cellphone was switched off. My in-laws then rushed to our home and we went to the police station to report what happened.'
King Cetshwayo SAPS spokesperson Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose said the police had opened an inquest into the matter, but an autopsy revealed that Simikahle had passed away from natural causes.
After days of searching, the nanny showed up at the family's home last Saturday, allegedly stating she'd fled the scene out of shock and fear.
'Despite that explanation, I am not at peace because I want a detailed account of what happened during my child's final moments,' said Mabaso.
'I keep thinking about the possibility that the nanny left her alone and she passed away from negligence, or what if something was done to her?'
Mabaso described Simikahle as 'healthy, happy and active'.
'She was always laughing, and when I walk into my house, I expect to hear her screaming for me. She will always be the best thing that happened to our family, and right now, we just need closure.'
Jaclyn Zackey-Tinkler, founder of The Babysitting Club and AuPair4U, advised parents to double-check their nanny's credentials and qualifications before finalising employment.
'Nannies should have first aid experience and be familiar with basic CPR,' said ZackeyTinkler. 'It is also important to find someone who is loving and honest, and who has good references from previous employers.'
I am not at peace because I want a detailed account of what happened during my child’s final moments