Girl, 8, still living at parents despite suspected abuse

AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Mdantsane girl whom social workers wanted to move to a place of safety amid allegations of abuse at home, is still living with her parents.

This is after police and social workers – following a preliminary investigation – were prevented from entering the house in NU7, on Wednesday last week, as they found the gates locked.

The couple also keep 14 pitbulls in the yard – making it even more difficult for authorities to access the property.

But despite complaints from neighbours about the alleged treatment of the child – who reportedly has to wake up at 3am everyday to feed the family’s dogs – no further attempt has been made to remove her.

A community member, Nomava Gqamekwane, said she and other neighbours were concerned how the child was being treated by her mother and stepfather. Gqamekwane alerted the police and social development.

“The girl child is forced to feed the dogs at 3am, she has even been bitten by these vicious dogs. She doesn’t even go out to play with other children.

“You will always see her gloomy and isolated at school and one can tell she is not okay,’’ said Gqamekwana.

The girl’s parents were questioned by police about the alleged abuse, but they denied it.

Social development spokesman Mzukisi Solani confirmed that the school which the child attends was visited by two social workers.

They interviewed the principal, class teacher and child concerned. Social development said they did not see any visible signs of abuse.

“The child has old bruises from being bitten by the pitbull dogs which she has a routine of feeding. These pitbulls are 14 in number,” said Solani.

The child’s parents were informed she would be temporarily moved to safe care while the matter was under investigation.

But, said Solani, they had found the gates locked when their social workers went to remove the child.

Yesterday social development said they were still trying to identify other family members who could look after the child

“Social workers are still looking for close family members that can look after the child, It is important that she gets support and warmth from family,” said Solani.

He said this was usually the first step taken instead of taking the child to a foreign environment. — qaqambam@