Residents of Germiston are expressing outrage after a mother left her three young children alone in a shack for two weeks while she moved in with her boyfriend. The children, aged eight, six, and three, were reportedly left to fend for themselves, relying on the goodwill of neighbors for food and care.
According to local reports from Daily Sun, the mother assured her children that she would return, but she never did. The eldest, an eight-year-old boy, has taken on the responsibility of looking after his siblings, despite not attending school himself. He expressed a desire to return to education and secure a better future for them, highlighting the neglect they are facing.
“I was attending school in the Eastern Cape, but since we moved here, we haven’t been to school,” he shared, underscoring the drastic change in their circumstances.
When a team from Daily Sun visited the children, they discovered the shack in deplorable conditions, with a foul smell permeating the air, exacerbated by the youngest child’s inability to access proper sanitation. “We sleep alone, and we don’t know when my mother will come back,” the oldest child lamented, emphasizing their uncertainty and fear.
Neighbors indicated that this is not the first instance of the mother abandoning her children. According to the landlord, she has a history of leaving them alone for short periods, but this abandonment is particularly concerning. “She used to leave for two to three days, but this time it’s worse. We’re worried about the children, especially the youngest,” he stated, expressing concern for their well-being.
Reports indicate that the children have gone days without bathing, and it is the local community that has stepped in to ensure they are not going hungry. Residents are frustrated, feeling that the mother has prioritized her relationship over the welfare of her children.
On October 23, social workers, along with community members, attempted to locate the mother in the nearby squatter camp but were unsuccessful. The community’s anger has intensified, as many believe that the mother’s actions reflect a troubling disregard for her children’s needs.
Motsamai Motlhaolwa, a spokesperson for Gauteng Social Development, confirmed that plans are underway to remove the children from their current situation due to its dire nature. Meanwhile, Warrant Officer Majang Skalkie, acting spokesperson for Ekurhuleni district police, advised that neighbors could file a negligence case against the mother at the local police station.
The situation has drawn widespread attention and concern, prompting calls for immediate intervention to protect the vulnerable children. As the community rallies around the children, the hope is that swift action will be taken to ensure their safety and well-being.