A doctor who treated murdered Jeremiah Ruiters two months before his death noticed old bruising, the Western Cape High Court heard on Monday.
Mom Abigail Ruiters and boyfriend Ameerudien Peters are charged with the rape and murder of the year-old boy in June 2017.
Dr Norbertta Washaya, a paediatrician at Red Cross Children’s Hospital, says she saw Jeremiah in April 2017 after he was admitted for a cut on his hand.
“I saw Jeremiah on 11 April. He had an abscess on his right-hand palm,” she said.
“He’s believed to have fallen and cut his hand on the sink. The wound was infected with bacteria. He had acute weight loss, stunted growth and night sweats, so I tested for tuberculosis.”
After diagnosing Jeremiah with iron deficiency anaemia, the doctor says a thorough examination on the tot showed bruising.
“He had bruising on his nose, a clean cut on his tongue. The mother said it was because he had a fungal rash and was given oral mouthwash which caused the cut. He had old bruising on his face, around his mouth, neck, left hand and on his feet.”
Peters’ lawyer, Advocate Alan Koester, asked Washaya whether she noticed any abuse or negligence.
“I was concerned about the child because of his history (a month prior Jeremiah was admitted with a broken arm). (But) because social workers were already involved, I knew it was being looked into,” Washaya added.
Peters, who was looking after the tot, allegedly raped, beat and then stabbed Jeremiah to death.
The matter has been postponed to 15 April.