Infant dies after medical emergency while mother queued at SASSA Bellville office

A seven-month-old baby died after falling ill while accompanying his mother to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office in Bellville on Tuesday.

SASSA in the Western Cape confirmed that the incident occurred outside its Bellville office, where the mother had been waiting in line for social grant services.

According to SASSA, while standing in the queue, the mother alerted officials that her infant child was critically ill. Staff immediately contacted emergency medical services for assistance.

However, when it became apparent that there would be a delay in the arrival of paramedics, officials acted swiftly and assisted the mother by transporting her and the baby to the nearest clinic on Reeds Street, approximately 500 metres from the SASSA Bellville office.

Upon arrival at the clinic, the baby was admitted to the emergency room. It was later confirmed that the child had died.

SASSA expressed its “deep sadness” over the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.

“We commend our officials for their prompt and compassionate response to the medical emergency,” the agency said in a statement, adding that it would continue to cooperate fully with any necessary processes. The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of all beneficiaries who access its offices.

Police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala said police had no initial record of the incident at the SASSA office itself.

However, he confirmed that Bellville police attended to an incident at a medical facility in Bellville following the death of a seven-month-old baby.

According to police reports, the mother noticed that her baby was unwell and went to a hospital, where the child succumbed to the illness while she was in the queue.

The circumstances leading up to the infant’s sudden illness remain unclear.

Cape Times