South Australia Police’s Task Force Prime was initiated to investigate the death of a 6 year old girl (Charlie). The task force will also be investigating death of Makai, a 7 year old boy from Craigmore.
“On 10 February 2022 Makai, was taken to Lyall McEwin Hospital suffering a health complaint and later day transported to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital where he died,” said Detective Superintendent Des Bray from Major Crime Investigation Branch.
“The post mortem identified the boy died from several serious health issues and was initially investigated by Northern District Police detectives as a coronial investigation with assistance from the Coronial Investigation Section.”
“In late July 2022 investigators reached the position that there was a reasonable suspicion that there was a nexus between the cause of death and serious criminal neglect and/or abuse.”
The investigation into Makai’s death will now form part of Task Force Prime. It is being investigated as a case of suspected criminal neglect causing death. This is a criminal offence under the Criminal Law Consolidation Act and carries a maximum term of life imprisonment.
“Essentially this offence occurs when a person who has a duty of care to a child fails to take all reasonable steps to protect the child from harm, and the child dies or is harmed as a result of that neglect and the neglect warrants a criminal sanction.”
The Task Force will also investigate possible criminal neglect offences relating to five of Makai’s siblings (aged between of 7 and 16 years).
“Any person who may have knowledge or information about Makai’s circumstances is urged to call police.”
If anyone has information about Makai or Charlie’s death please ring Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you may remain anonymous.
