As South Africa marked the end of Child Protection Week, the community of Eastridge in Mitchells Plain was plunged into mourning following the tragic death of a three-year-old disabled boy. The heartbreaking incident has shocked the neighbourhood, with disturbing allegations of neglect and substance abuse emerging as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
The toddler was found lifeless on Wednesday evening, 4 June 2025, at his home on Olive Street. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that authorities responded to a distress call at around 7:30 PM. “Upon arrival, the officers discovered the body of a three-year-old boy. Medical personnel examined the child and declared him dead at the scene,” Swartbooi stated. Police have since opened an inquest docket to determine the cause of death and whether foul play was involved.
The tragedy echoes another high-profile case that recently rocked the area: just days earlier, Kelly Smith was sentenced to life in prison for the kidnapping and trafficking of her own six-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith, who vanished in February last year and has never been found. The similarities between the two cases have heightened fears among residents that child neglect and abuse are reaching crisis levels in the community.
Adding to the community’s concern, preliminary reports suggest the little boy may have been left alone in the house for an extended period. Linda Jones, spokesperson for the Mitchells Plain Community Police Forum (CPF), expressed shock at the situation. “I was informed that no one was at home when the child was found,” Jones revealed. “Some residents believe that the boy may have been dead for more than a day before being discovered.”
Attempts by journalists to contact the family at the Olive Street home have been unsuccessful, with the house standing empty during visits. This absence has only intensified local suspicions of neglect and possible substance abuse by those responsible for the child’s care.
Norman Jantjies, chairperson of the Mitchells Plain CPF, stressed the need for a thorough investigation. “We are very concerned about what happened,” he said. “While we must wait for official confirmation, the word from the community is that the family has a history of drug abuse. The situation appears to be a clear case of neglect, but we cannot speculate until the investigation is complete.”
Jantjies explained that due to the unnatural circumstances of the child’s death, legal proceedings, including possible criminal charges, could follow depending on the inquest findings.
The parents of the deceased child were reportedly at the mortuary on Thursday to identify the body, confirmed by police. The Department of Social Development is now involved, raising the likelihood that the family may already have been on the authorities’ radar prior to the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, authorities have appealed to members of the public to come forward with any information. Residents with details relevant to the case are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.
For now, the Mitchells Plain community grieves yet another young life lost under tragic and troubling circumstances.