Phoenix assault victim discharged from hospital

The Department of Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal says the girl faces a long road to recovery. 

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Her mother and the woman's partner appeared in the Verulam Magistrates Court yesterday on charges of attempted murder.  They are out on bail until their next appearance at the end of the month. Social Development's Ncumisa Ndlelu says the little girl is doing okay under the circumstances.

"We all know her ordeal. It is going to be a very long road to recovery for her, but our social workers are working with her as well as the family. For now, we would like for people to give her space to recover from what happened to her," Ndlelu said.

The State said yesterday it would apply to have the conditions of the mother and her partner's bail changed to prohibit them from seeing the child for the duration of the case.

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Ndlelu says the little girl "has been placed in alternative safe care."