Kempton Park mother vows private probe after ex acquitted of child abuse
A Kempton Park mother says she will not give up on seeking justice for her young daughter following the acquittal of her former husband on charges of sexual abuse.
According to Kempton Express, Mandy* has vowed to explore alternative legal avenues and pursue a private investigation, convinced that the trauma her daughter endured goes beyond what was presented in court.
The case, heard in the Randburg High Court, centred on allegations involving the couple's daughter, Mia*, who was three years old at the time of the alleged incidents.
Now seven, Mia testified in court about her experiences, which formed part of the evidence against the accused.
In the judgment, the magistrate acknowledged the child's testimony and the findings of both a forensic social worker and a medical professional, which indicated possible trauma consistent with the allegations.
The child's statements were described as credible and unlikely to have been coached.
Mandy told the court that she had once confronted her former husband after discovering disturbing content on his electronic devices.
Despite concerns raised by expert witnesses and inconsistencies noted in the accused's testimony, the court ultimately found that the State had not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The accused denied all allegations, stating that any injuries sustained by the child were due to a medical condition and not abuse.
The magistrate noted that while the complainant's testimony was compelling and consistent in many areas, contradictions in certain details meant the court had to approach the matter with caution.
The child had difficulty clarifying some aspects of the timeline, which the court attributed to her young age at the time of the incident.
'There was credible evidence of trauma,' the magistrate said, 'but in the absence of proof beyond reasonable doubt, the accused must be acquitted'.
The ruling left Mandy frustrated and determined to seek other ways to protect her daughter.
'I want to ensure this is not the end,' she said. 'I will keep fighting for my child.'
To help her daughter, Mandy has created a BackaBuddy campaign, which she hopes will raise enough money to launch a private investigation into her former husband and his family.
'I would like an investigation into those who have used their positions of power to commit/assist in the cover-up of the abuse against my daughter.
'I want to expose the evil and save the hundreds of children affected by the abuse, production and distribution of child pornography and false allegations and legal abuse of those who are trying to stop them,' Mandy said.
Anyone who can help Mandy can visit BackaBuddy: Justice Army No Secrets.
*The names in this article have been changed to protect the child's identity.
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