Update: Children still to arrive at Môrester Children’s Home
The removal and relocation of these children has sparked an outrage amongst the community and organisations who questioned the Department of Social Development (DSD) handling of the matter
The children who were removed from Môrester Children’s Home on February 14 and 16 are still to arrive at the home.
At this stage no children have been returned yet it is believed that they are currently on their way back.
The KZN Christian Social Services (CSS) brought an urgent application to the high court in Pietermaritzburg yesterday (February 20) to ensure the safe return of all the Môrester children who were forcibly removed on 15 and 16 February by officials from the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the police.
The removal and relocation of these children has sparked an outrage amongst the community and organisations who questioned the Department of Social Development (DSD) handling of the matter.
The court ruled in favour of the CSS and instructed the DSD to return all the Children to their respective child and youth care centres over the next 36 hours and instructed that they may not be removed again by the department.
The court also ruled that the DSD shall carry the cost of the application brought by the CSS.
The court also ordered the department to conduct a thorough investigation concerning the allegations it has purported against the children’s homes and set a date for its completion by the 18th of March 2019.
Also read: Update: Department removes 150 children from Môrester in Ladysmith
The court also instructed the CSS to provide its full support in this investigation and included that the parents and legal guardians of the children must be consulted in this investigation as well.
Reverend Gerhard Botha, CEO of KZN Christian Social Services, said that the outcome of the initial hearing on Wednesday (February 20) was a first step towards justice for the children in the care of the homes. “We are so grateful that the Court ruled in favor of the children who were the victims of this irresponsible act. Our children are to be returned within the next 36 hours, unharmed and safe. We are very concerned about their well-being.”
“So much unnecessary trauma and distress was caused by this unwarranted act, our children, personnel and care-workers suffered severely during this raid. Much remains unanswered. Have procedures been followed?”, Botha asked. The DSD was also ordered to submit all documents regarding the removal of the children by no later than Friday, 22 February.
Rev. Botha concluded his statement by confirming that the next hearing date was set for 25 March 2019 where the judge will decide if his ruling will become a permanent order: “We praise the Lord that the interest of our children has prevailed today, we thank the community and other organisations for their support and prayers.”
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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