Living on the streets, without shelter, is an unbearable thought for anyone.
Most will walk past those living on the streets without giving them a second thought, but what happens if the person in question is a child?
In most CBD’s, street children can be found on almost every corner, sleeping under anything that gives them a roof and eating whatever they come across.
How did they get here? Where do they go? And where are their families?
Acting spokesperson for the Edenvale SAPS, Lieutenant Colonel Robbie Roberts, said that while Edenvale does not have any street children, the issue is a concern in other areas.
“Some of our neighbouring towns like Kempton Park and Johannesburg have numerous street children,” he said.
Lt Col Roberts said drugs such as khat, cocaine and Methamphetamine (crystal meth) might be a contributing factor to children ending up on the streets.
“We find that many of the children end up on the streets by running away from homes where there are drug abuse problems,” he said.
“When the children live on the streets, they turn to cheaper forms of drugs like glue,” said Lt Col Roberts.
He said street children often suffer from mental instabilities as a result of the chemicals in glue.
“Glue alters the brain and the extended use thereof can cause serious damage,” he said.
Lt Col Roberts urged parents to look after their children.
“Monitor your children’s behaviour. We know drugs are a serious problem in all communities and fighting drug abuse starts with each and every person,” he said.
