Reverend Gerhard Botha, CEO of KZN Christian Social Services (CSS), has released the news that the children of Môrester Children’s Home’s and other youth care centres have to be returned within the next 36 hours.
He added that, as per a court ruling, children cannot be removed from a children’s home during an investigation by a government department.
In this case, the Department of Social Development has to conduct a thorough investigation about the allegations and the investigation has to be finalised before March 18. The investigation also has to be done in such a way that the children are not further traumatised.
Rev Botha added that the CSS will give their full support and the parents of the children have to be consulted during the investigation.
Also read: Update: Department removes 150 children from Môrester in Ladysmith
On March 24, they will be going back to court and the judge will decide if this is a permanent order. There is also a cost order against the State and they have to pay for the application.
The State needs to prove that the department removed the children legally and this documentation has to be submitted to the court this Friday (February 22).
The CSS are very excited to have the children coming back home.
The video below appeared on the SABC on Tuesday evening, and formed the basis of the charges against the home. The video was taken in 2017. Shortly after the video aired on SABC the staff member was suspended by Môrester officials.
Original Story: Department swoops in and removes 150 children from #Môrester Children’s Home in Ladysmith, KZN after allegations of abuse
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