Pretoria – Police in Diepsloot have removed two children, aged 1 and 3, to a place of safety and a 21 year old woman has been taken into custody for alleged child neglect.
Gauteng police said the children were removed on Saturday because police believed they were in need of care and were exposed to serious mental and/or physical harm. They were potentially in danger from criminal elements.
The boy and girl were in the same area where the bodies of 2 year old Yonelisa Mali and her cousin Zandile Mali, 3, were found in a community toilet on Tuesday. Their funeral was held on Saturday.
“The woman was arrested … in Diepsloot Ext 1 following a report that she left children alone. Police went to her residence and removed the children. Their mother was traced in the same area and arrested and it is believed that she is abusing alcohol,” said the police.
The woman is expected to be charged with child neglect in terms of the Child Care Act when she appears at the Pretoria Magistrate Court on Monday.
Police are also looking for her sister who is the mother of one the children.
Members of the public are urged to report any circumstance of physical, emotional and sexual abuse or ill-treatment of children by their parents or guardians.
Police said they would ensure that law takes its course against anyone who is in contravention of Child Care Act. - SAnews..gov.za
