Following an article published in the NEWS recently, the communities of Bedfordview and Edenvale have showed disapproval of a man begging on the streets with a small child.
In the April 23 edition of the NEWS, it was reported that an investigation was launched into a man begging with a small child who appeared to be disabled.
Since the story was published, numerous residents have reported their suspicions that that child may even be drugged.
According to Mr Gerald Mvundura, a social worker at Child Welfare SA – Edenvale, the response from the community was overwhelming.
“We received numerous phone calls during the day and we also gave residents our office cellular phone number so that they could contact us after hours or on weekends,” said Mr Mvundura.
He assured the NEWS that everything possible would be done to resolve the issue.
Residents who see the man begging over weekends can contact 071 308 7008.
Community responds.
Comments received on www.bedfordviewedenvalenews.co.za
- Karen: I have given this man and child a lift once and brought nappy’s and food for the child. He says he lives in Primrose, he normally walks along First Avenue in Edenvale and Boeing Road East in Bedfordview. I think the child is drugged and he uses the child as a pawn for money. This is disturbing and tragic. (Comment edited).
- Christa: He is often in Sunnyridge. He says he has no money and is trying to catch a taxi to see the child’s mom. Think they live in Primrose squatter camp.
- Zelda: I have seen this man in Alberton, Brackenhurst area.
Facebook comments:
- Caroline: I am so glad something is being done about this man, I am sure the child is drugged. I have seen him wandering up and down the avenues on weekends.
- Claudia: So glad something is being done. I have seen him on a number of occasions and think the child might even be drugged to sleep all day. He is normally walking around on the weekends.
- Leigh-Anne: I am so glad that something is finally getting done about this man. I have seen him on numerous occasions and have tried to get hold of security or police officers who told me there was nothing they could do about it. That poor child is always asleep over his shoulder every time I have seen him. Makes me sick to my stomach.
- Cristina: I always see this guy in Bedfordview and have always said he is dodgy.
