On November 14, I came off the highway at the Klipriviersberg off-ramp from Alberton and there was a woman begging at the traffic lights with a child in her arms exposed to the heat and sun.
The child had no form of protection and I’m certain was in danger of heatstroke. I called Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and reported it. An hour later she was still sitting there so I called JMPD again. If anyone passes there and sees her, please call and report this.
It was so hot that day with the sun beating down and this child was too young to be even walking. There was no shade at all, not even an umbrella, although I doubt that would have given much protection from the unrelenting sun. The poor child was probably dehydrated.
What will this small child feel like when she gets home this evening after spending how many hours in this heat? And countless other children also have to suffer the same fate.
The children’s mothers may not have jobs, and their only option is to beg but it should not be with children. Surely this is child abuse? Surely this is child neglect?
If people want to give money to beggars at traffic lights that’s their business, but surely they are perpetuating child abuse when they give money to beggars with children?
Upset and disgusted
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