Couple accused of faking six-year-old child's cancer
South Australian couple has been arrested after allegedly faking their child’s cancer diagnosis.
A man and woman, both aged 44, allegedly requested donations to fund ongoing medical treatments for their six-year-old child.
They even allegedly shaved their child's head, eyebrows and placed them in a wheelchair with bandages to imitate the effects of cancer treatment, but their child was healthy.
“Our investigation has confirmed the child is not seeking medical treatment,” Acting Assistant Commissioner John DeCandia said.
“We believe this farce illness is causing significant and serious psychological harm to the child and their sibling.”
The pair allegedly received around $60,000 in donations over a two-week period.
The allegations were first reported to police on November 26, with the couple being arrested and charged with two counts of criminal neglect and deceiving another to benefit self on Friday, according to SA Police.
Both of the couple's children have been removed from their custody and are now staying with a relative.
The parents were refused bail and will appear in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday.
Anyone who may have donated money or has further information have also been asked to contact police.
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