Burnt baby on ventilator
2003-11-03 13:04
Cape Town - A 10-month-old baby boy, whose mother allegedly poured petrol over him and set him alight, is in critical condition in the Red Cross Children's hospital.
Prof Heinz Rode of the burns unit at the hospital said the boy had major destructive burns to both his hands and face.
He also inhaled large amounts of smoke that damaged his lungs.
The boy was on Monday afternoon still on a ventilator in the hospital's intensive care unit. His condition was described as stable.
The baby's mother, who faces an attempted murder charge, was expected to be released from hospital on Monday.
Superintendent Nina Kirsten for police said she had "second degree" burns caused when her shirt caught fire.
If released, she would appear in court on Tuesday, Kirsten said.
The baby's father was treated for minor burn wounds and released.
Kirsten said the mother and father, of Retreat in the Cape Peninsula, apparently had an argument on Sunday morning.
The mother left the house, but later returned with a bottle of petrol she had bought.
She allegedly poured the petrol over the baby and set him alight. The father tried to smother the flames.
All three were admitted to hospital.
Kirsten said the grandfather, who happened to be at a police station later that night, apparently related the incident to a police officer.
The officer insisted he go the to charge office and report the case, nearly 12 hours after the incident.
Kirsten said if the child dies, the mother would face murder charges.