The family of a baby boy whose tiny body was found in a shallow grave late last year, say they are happy that justice has been served after the convicted killer was sentenced to 30 years behind bars on Friday 25 November.
Priscilla Morris, who was the infant’s foster mother at the time, pleaded guilty to the murder.
For Caswell Frans, the grandfather of baby Caswell Joseph Frans (CJ) it has been an emotional year since the moment the nine-month-old baby’s body was found near a field in Vrygrond Avenue in December last year.
“I am grateful because CJ can now rest in peace and as a family, we are relieved for a sentence of the 30 years.
“It is closure for us as a family because we are happy that she did get 30 years in prison and we are grateful for the community who was standing with us.”
He added, while it was a victory the family still holds the department of social development accountable for not checking up on the welfare of baby CJ.
“At this moment and each and every day, I think about baby CJ.
“I will only rest if justice is taken against the department of social development who did not act on concerns we had, I will only rest if we can stop another body from being found.”
Frans, say they feel let down by social workers.
“The way I feel towards social development is that they disappointed us as a family, myself and the mother of the child called the department but nothing had been done and nothing was followed-up.
“The social worker never went to look at the welfare of baby CJ after our complaints. I am not going to rest, because I also feel social development is the cause of what happened, and if the complaints were looked at and checked up on the child would not be dead today.”
Meanwhile, founder of the Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development Foundation Mymoena Scholtz, who supported the family at court said they are very happy and sad at the same time for the outcome.
“Once again, an innocent baby was brutally murdered and it has left a very bitter taste in our mouth. We appeal to parents be alert and aware who you trust with your precious children.
“We appeal to the communities to stop turning a blind eye when you see abuse or hear of a child in an abusive home with a family.
“We cannot express ourselves more how important it is to protect our innocent and vulnerable children as they cannot fight for themselves.”
She added that it was up to each and every person to protect children.
“We pray for strength and courage for the family as this is a lifetime of pain and healing but we know that God will carry them all.
“The crime against our children is just too high and we as the public sector needs to pay a pivotal role in the protection of our children. One can clearly see how they loved him. May his precious little soul rest in peace.”
