TWO FRIENDS ARRESTED FOR CHILD NEGLECT

Two women aged 31 and 34 were arrested by the Tembisa SAPS today, 28 April 2022 for Child Neglect.

The arrest came after three (3) minor children aged 05, 09 and 12 years came to the Tembisa Police Station alleging that their mothers had locked them outside and left them in the cold with no food or anyone to take care of them during the Easter weekend.

“The 12 year old said she remembered that the police used to come at her school and encourage them to report abuse at the police station, hence he hauled the other two children to the police station. “ said Constable Patricia Mgijima of the Tembisa SAPS.

With the dedication of GBV Coordinator Sergeant Pitsi Makgatho, Social Crime Prevention Constable Asnath Makgupya and Constable Lebohang Sefala, the parents were traced with no success until they resorted to taking the children to Tembisa Child Welfare pending investigation while a case of Child Neglect was opened and handed over to Family, Child and Sexual Offences unit (FCS) for further investigation.

On Thursday, the 28 April 2022, the police received a tip off that the two women are back at their residential address at Emoyeni Section in Tembisa and were heading to Child Welfare.

The team of police wasted no time and pounced on them while they were still enquiring about the whereabouts of their children at the Welfare.

Both women have been arrested and will appear before the Tembisa Magistrates Court soon to answer to a charge of Child Neglect.

“Police have so much on their plate, parents are urged to look after their children. Police will not be lenient but will enforce the law and order to negligent parents. Tembisa police are also experiencing a lot of complaints of missing children.” said Constable Lebohang Sefala.

“Not being able to see your child for a few minutes should worry you as a parent” added Sefala.