Child Abuse

My mum watches Newsline every Sunday Night and tonight I caught a rather disturbing story while watching it with her.

Blessing James is a 12 year old girl who lives in a shanty/face-me-I-face you with her dad. She got involved in a fight with neighbor’s son. When her dad came back from work (he’s a butcher) and heard about it, he decided to “discipline” her.

His idea of discipline was to tie her up, stark naked, for two days without food. She kept crying but he left her there. Neighbors could hear her crying so they came to plead with him to untie her and let her go but he refused. He wasn't with showing that he was boss.

He beat her on her legs with a cane. At a point, he submerged her hands and feet in hot water. Naturally, this was followed by screams. It took the neighbors calling the police on him before she was released. They had to break into the room as "Daddy dear" was not around.

By the time, she got to the hospital, she had developed contractures as a result of the burns. What this means is that her fingers and toes have bent and stiffened into place. She will need plastic surgery to straighten them out.

Hmmm! These stories seem to keep coming. We are still reeling from the sheer evil that is the story of Reverend Dr. King. Now this.

My theory is that"Daddy Dear" probably went to work, got pissed off by some colleagues but could not retaliate because he’s a coward. Got home, heard that his daughter was involved in a fight and decided to vent his anger on her. People that do these to children are usually cowards.

There was nothing said about a mother or siblings. "Daddy dear" is at large and the girl’s aunt is helping the police in locating him.

Another mentally and physically scarred child. And unfortunately, not the last.