Linda’s Daycare Centre in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town, has been closed down following an investigation into the death of eight-month-old Mohammed Qiran Canterbury.
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Last month, little Mohammed was taken to the Vanguard Community Health Centre after allegedly being discovered unconscious at the daycare.
According to News24, spokesperson for the department, Kerry Mauchline, confirmed that the creche had been issued a closure notice on Wednesday after it was found the facility did not comply with the norms and standards as per the Children’s Act.
‘The facility, therefore, has to close within 10 working days of receipt of the notice,’ Mauchline said.
According to the department, the closure of the creche is permanent.
Speaking to News24, Mohammed’s parents, Zaidah Adams and Tashreeq Canterbury, claimed that they still don’t know how their child died.
‘No information was given to us regarding his autopsy results. Police, unfortunately, have no new information they can share with us – so, right now, we are still trying to come to terms with the fact that my child died under mysterious conditions at the creche,’ Zaidah said.
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The parents claimed that Linda, the owner of the creche, did not offer an apology or a justification for what transpired on the day their son passed away.
‘Everything is still a mystery. To not know why or how my child died is such a painful feeling,’ said Zaidah.
Mohammed’s autopsy has been finished, according to Megan Davids, a Western Cape Health Department spokesperson.
‘The results may only be handed over to the investigation officer of SAPS. In terms of the Inquests Act, we may not share the findings to any other party, as this is the mandate of SAPS,’ said Davids.
Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, a spokesman for the Western Cape police, claimed that it was not required of the police to comment on the specifics of the document.
When they learned the creche would be shut down, the boy’s grandmother, Tasneenah, said they felt bad for the staff.
‘Even though they have displayed really bad behaviour towards us, as a family, it’s quite sad that the creche now has to close down due to the negligence they caused upon themselves.’
‘It’s unfortunate that the creche staff and the parents whose children rely on dropping their kids off at the creche will now suffer. It’s sad, but also, in a way, it is a relief because now no other parents will have to go through the traumatic experience we have gone through,’ Tasneenah said.
Kim Davids, a co-owner of Linda’s Daycare and the owner’s daughter, would not respond when News24 enquired about Linda’s Daycare for comment.
‘Nothing can be confirmed at this point. I cannot confirm if the daycare received a letter. The information we can share will only be done at the end of the month,’ she said.
The education department said the creche should shut down by Wednesday, 2 August.
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