A 12-year-old boy in Indonesia, who was allegedly tortured and forced to drink boiling water, pointed at his stepmother and said 'Mummy' when asked who to blame shortly before his tragic death. The heartbreaking exchange was captured on camera as the child lay in a hospital bed with catastrophic injuries, highlighting a case of suspected severe domestic violence.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Nizam Syafei was rushed to a hospital in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia, in the early hours of February 19 after suffering severe internal burns. Doctors found that his oesophagus had been scalded, and he died later that afternoon. His body was covered in wounds consistent with physical violence and burns, as reported by Indonesian media. Medical professionals concluded that he had suffered severe burns to his oesophagus caused by drinking scalding water, indicating potential abuse.
Video Evidence and Family Statements
A video shared online showed Nizam lying in a hospital bed shortly before his death. When asked who had abused him, he appeared to point towards his stepmother and say: 'Mummy'. The boy's father, Anwar Satibi, 38, stated that his son had previously been a victim of domestic violence in 2025 at the hands of the woman. Anwar told reporters he had filed a police report against his wife over earlier alleged abuse, but the case was later mediated after she apologised and promised to change her ways. He emphasised that the report was never formally withdrawn.
Allegations of Ongoing Abuse
Anwar alleged that Nizam was beaten whenever he argued with his stepmother's adopted sons, while her other two children were not punished. On the night before his son's death, Anwar was at work when his wife called to say the boy had developed a high fever. Upon returning home, he was shocked to find Nizam covered in blisters and burns, despite the child having been in good condition when he left that morning. According to Anwar, his wife claimed the blisters appeared naturally whenever the boy had a fever, a statement that raised suspicions.
Medical and Police Investigations
Nizam was taken to hospital early on February 19, where doctors determined that the pattern and severity of the burns were indicative of abuse. An autopsy is now being conducted to establish the exact cause of death. Sukabumi Police Criminal Investigation Unit chief AKP Hartono confirmed that an investigation is ongoing while officers await the forensic results. The case has drawn significant attention, underscoring concerns about child protection and domestic violence in the region.
Broader Implications
This tragic incident raises questions about the effectiveness of mediation in domestic abuse cases and the need for stricter enforcement of child safety laws. The community and authorities are closely monitoring the investigation, hoping for justice for Nizam and measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
