February 02, 2007, 09:30
The parents of a 22-month-old girl, who left the child alone in a car while they gambled at the Windmill Casino in Bloemfontein, are to appear in court today, police said. Loraine Kalp, the police spokesperson, said the man and woman face a charge of child neglect.
"The baby is at a place of safety," she said. The baby was found alone, locked up in a white Fiat Uno in the casino parking lot just before midnight on Wednesday by two men who were passing by, Die Volksblad reported today. According to police the men heard the baby screaming.
"One window was open a chink, and there was a bottle of sour milk, a blanket and a toy next to the toddler," the report said. The men broke the car window and called the casino's guards, the welfare department, police and paramedics. The baby was taken to the casino kitchen where her nappy was changed and given fresh milk.
Neglected child placed in welfare care
The child was then taken to hospital where a child welfare worker placed her in the care of a temporary foster parent. Police said the child was apparently sleeping when her parents arrived at the casino. Security videos would be studied to see how long the child was left alone.
According to the report when the parents were finally found, the father was hit by a member of public. Staff at the casino had to stop bystanders from wrecking the couple's car.
The report also quoted Mike van Vuuren, the casino manager, who had immediately banned the child's parents from the casino, "because the safety of children was a top priority". - Sapa
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