Autopsy shows adopted toddler Tammy abused

Autopsy shows adopted toddler Tammy abused

By NATASHA MARRIAN

AN autopsy has confirmed that 21-month-old Tammy Herman, who died on Saturday at the Garden City Clinic, was abused.

Tammy was brought into the clinic by her adoptive parents on Wednesday last week, after she vomited excessively.

There was severe bruising on her body, and closer examination revealed that the child had 12 broken ribs and severe injuries to her brain and liver.

Doctors contacted the police Child Protection Unit, who are investigating.

Tammy was adopted when four months old, and her adoption was handled by Johannesburg Child Welfare (JCW).

JCW assistant director Carol Bews said yesterday a verbal autopsy report had confirmed that Tammy had been abused.

She said Tammy had died from organ failure.

Police spokesman Constable Sefako Xaba said arrests would be made soon.

Bews said responsibility for the child did fall on the adoptive parents, but she could not confirm whether they were responsible for inflicting the injuries which caused the toddler’s death.

“The parents do not fit the profile abusers usually have. But a child died in this case, so we are leaving it up to the police,” she said. – natasham@citizen.co.za