Minister Fritz: Child Abuse is Criminal

Media Statement by Albert Fritz, Minister of Social Development

Following reports from SAPS about the arrest of a mother who tied up and locked her two young children in their shack while she was at work, my department has taken the following action, in line with the Children's Act.

The two children who were found in the shack are currently in the care of a safety parent, while the other two children who were at school at the time are in the process of being placed with another safety parent. We are giving the children the necessary counselling and support as they adjust to their new environments.

It is the personal responsibility of all parents to ensure the safety and well-being of their children and any person found guilty of child abuse in this province should face the full force of the law. This mother's behaviour is inexcusable and I am calling for harsh punitive measures in this regard.

I want to issue a strong warning to parents to take responsibility for their children. Failing to do so is not only hugely traumatic for the children, but is inhumane and criminal.