Department places 3 children neglected by intoxicated mother in Safe Care

Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Adv. Albert Fritz, welcomes the arrest by the South African Police Services (SAPS) of a Tubelitsha (near Delft) mother on charges of child neglect and abandonment charges.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has a zero tolerance policy to the abuse, neglect and/or abandonment of children. In line with the Children’s Act of 2005, the department’s social workers removed the three children (aged 1, 3 and 9 years old) who were found at the woman’s home, and placed them with a Safety Parent.

Of great concern is the allegation that the mother left the three children alone and unsupervised in their home for four days, to go on a drug and alcohol binge.

The department commends the neighbours and community of Tubelitsha for alerting the police and department to this situation. Through their action, we have been able to act to protect these children.

The mother is set to have appeared in the Bellville Magistrates Court today.

As DSD, we will continue to render support and care to the children, and will assist the SAPS in their investigation on this matter. I continue to urge communities to come forward with any information of child abuse or neglect. The public can contact the DSD hotline on 0800 220 250. We can ensure the well-being of all children if we work, ‘Better Together’.