​A baby boy has been placed in the care of the Gauteng Department of Social Development after viral video footage showing a woman kicking and trampling over him.
This was after the child's father reported the mother to the police.
The child has since been removed from his mother's custody. The mother was arrested and appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrate Court and was granted bail.
The explicit 13-second video emerged last week and showed someone kicking the child and stepping on his throat and chest as he lay on the ground.
Gauteng police have since confirmed that they are investigating a case of assault with intent to do grievously bodily harm.
The SAPS was instructed by the court to collect both cell phones of both parents for further investigation.
Gauteng Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment MEC Mbali Hlophe said the department had moved swiftly to ensure the child's removal and protection.
Hlophe added that "Working with our NPO, the Gauteng Department of Social Development has made arrangements to take the child to a children's home, post his visit to a hospital where he received a full health assessment to verify the extent of injury from the ordeal. The child is currently in safe care, receiving treatment and care under the warm embrace of our childcare workers."
She said that even though the child was safe, he exhibited signs of trauma and spent most of his days crying.
She condemned the incident and called on residents to report cases of child abuse.
"We owe it to our children to create a safe and loving environment for them," she said.
The matter is expected to be heard at the Children's Court soon after being postponed last Thursday to allow for further investigation.