Gauteng Department of Social Development condemns violence against children
Children's rights are frequently violated because of social ills that are prevalent in contemporary society.
In the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, children are guaranteed protection from child abuse, neglect and degrading treatment as one of their rights.
ALSO READ: A third of SA children suffer emotional abuse and neglect
In addition to being a fundamental principle, Article 28 of the South African Constitution lays out a clear obligation to protect children from abuse, exploitation and violence. This right is given effect in the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 and other relevant legislations.
Children’s rights are frequently violated because of social ills that are prevalent in contemporary society.
Community members of The Blue-Sky informal settlement are still in shock after a six-year-old boy from the settlement had his genitals removed in a nearby field on February 28th.
The boy was discovered in a ditch alongside a minefield in Boksburg.
As the custodian of the Children’s Act, the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) condemns the constant disregard for children’s safety and protection in the province.
The Blue Sky community is known for having high crime rates and a rise in drug misuse.
ALSO READ: Bedforview Police address abuse against men
An unnamed community leader asserts that the parents of the child were probably negligent, which is the main cause of this horrifying occurrence.
“This incident could have been avoided if the parents paid more attention to the child and did fewer drugs,” he said.
The GDSD social work manager in Ekurhuleni region, Linda Tshamase, explained that a variety of assessments were conducted with both parents regarding their current circumstances.
“We provided psycho-social support in the form of trauma debriefing and counselling to the parents and the child,” said Tshamase.
With the assistance of Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, the department is looking for a medical centre where the child can be rehabilitated once he has been discharged.
ALSO READ: Help Sanca tackle substance abuse in drug-riddled communities
Due to the gruesome nature of the injury, Family Protection Association South Africa is raising funds for the child’s reconstructive surgery.
Boksburg SAPS station commander Colonel Mbele confirmed that the police are investigating a case of attempted murder and are working tirelessly to find the perpetrator.
Also follow us on:
