The grieving family of an 8-month-old baby boy who passed away at a crèche in Bonteheuwel over two months ago has disclosed that the autopsy results indicate he died from a lung infection.
Mohammed Qiran Canterbury passed away after being rushed to Vanguard Day Hospital by the staff of Linda’s Daycare in Bonteheuwel in June 2023.
Also read: Daycare centre shut down permanently following 8-month-old’s death
As reported by News24, On Monday, 31 July 2023, Zaidah Adams and Tashreeq Canterbury were informed by the investigating officer about the cause of their son’s death.
‘The investigating officer told us the autopsy results showed my baby died of a lung infection he had developed as well as another virus, which he had picked up in the days leading to his death,’ the parents said.
Despite the autopsy results, the parents remain unconvinced. Adams stated, ‘We need the police and the Western Cape Health Department to clarify how they reached this conclusion when we, as his parents, were completely unaware of any issues with Mohammed.’
‘It is so bizarre because there was no sign that something was wrong with him. I would never have sent him to crèche if I had noticed my boy was sick,’ she added.
Recalling the day of her son’s passing, Adams reminisced about her husband’s playful interaction with the little boy before dropping him off at the daycare: ‘He was laughing and joyful as we left the house shortly after 06:00. I simply cannot fathom how he contracted this alleged infection.’
She asserted that she intends to seek clarity from the police.
Adams further explained, ‘We haven’t even seen the autopsy report ourselves. The detective just informed us of its contents over the phone. When I requested a copy of the report, she mentioned that it would be provided in due course.’
Mohammed’s grandmother, Tasneenah Canterbury, said that the autopsy results have only added to the family’s confusion.
‘It’s truly baffling. The idea of my grandson dying from a sudden lung infection is simply shocking. There were no signs of coughing or fever throughout the entire week before his passing. I’m deeply saddened and hurt that we keep receiving such heartbreaking news concerning Mohammed.’
According to Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, the police received the autopsy report, but they are not required to disclose its details.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) issued a closure letter to the crèche after investigating the baby’s death.
The family, while welcoming the news of the crèche’s closure, expressed their wish that the owners would make an effort to communicate with them about the day Mohammed passed away.
Also read:
Cape Town family pleads for answers after their 8-month-old dies at crèche
Picture: Angus P McKenzie l / Facebook