Alex child abuse paints grim picture

The recent revelations of two cases of alleged gross child abuse by parents in Alexandra paint a grim picture of the vulnerability of children.

This as Child Protection Week and International Children’s Rights Day was celebrated even in Alexandra on 2 June.

One of the incidents which was reported by this paper was of a disabled girl child rescued by Metro police, allegedly from a locked shack in Setswetla informal settlement last week. The mother has since been detained and charged with child neglect and is awaiting a court appearance.

The second case reported by other media, was of a father at Nobuhle hostel who has been detained by police after allegedly keeping his four children locked up, presumably for years. The case came to light after the community reported him. Police are still to verify what action will be taken against the mother.

While the four children are now at a place of safety and have presumably undergone assessment by social workers, they have missed out on critical child development milestones acquired from school and interaction with other children through play.

Councillor for Ward 105, Lillian Kekana, whose area includes Setswetla expressed disgust at both incidents, saying because of their vulnerability, children needed to be protected at all times. According to Kekana, it was strange that social workers who had been informed of the Nobuhle case had not acted the first time the alleged incident was reported to them.

“Probably the impact and trauma of the abuse on [the children] could have been minimised, and the impregnation of the girl could have been avoided,” she said.

“It’s sad that such abuse emanates from those entrusted with protecting these children. While I commend the community of Nobuhle hostel for raising the alarm, I am concerned that such cases are becoming more frequent, an indication that our moral values are waning, further threatening our principles of ubuntu.

“The nation is challenged to take more ardent steps and responsibility to ensure every child’s welfare is protected.”

Related articles:

Alex dad locked up for caging children

Disabled child rescued from locked shack

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