Pleas to Môreson to keep children in check
A few residents of Bergsig have complained to George Herald about "unruly" children of the ACVV Môreson Child and Youth Care Centre who climb over the property's fence, engage in offensive behaviour in full view of nearby properties, and threaten and swear at residents who complain. In a written complaint to Môreson, Andy Kleynhans says three girls together with other young people threatened and swore at him and his wife on Saturday 1 August. They threatened to throw stones at their windows and stab their dog to death. "This is no more a children's home but a gangs' nest where open sex happens right in front of my wife and me. Fences are scaled day and night ... They mock us when we ask them to stop their sexual acts in public." Kleynhans says he would hold the ACVV,
Môreson management and the Western Cape Government liable if anything should happen to his wife or if they suffer any financial losses or damages as a result of the youngsters. He intends to lay charges under the Child Justice Act against the girls known to him.
These complaints are confirmed by other nearby residents. Angie Konick says the situation has become untenable. "They are now throwing their jackets over our boundary wall to get an excuse to climb into our yard ... My parents live with us and I am concerned about their safety."
Charl Smith says in 16 years he has never witnessed incidents as bad as over the past two weeks. "... The outsiders have been identified as gang members and they bring narcotics to the juveniles who pay them in kind by way of sexual intercourse outside in the bushed area in full view of our properties. Two of the girls in Môreson are apparently awaiting trial on criminal charges."
Apology
Eunice Strydom, regional manager of the ACVV, apologised for the children's behaviour and said they view the complainants' concerns in a serious light. "The complaints have been discussed at the highest levels in the ACVV, as well as the Directorate for Facilities Management of the Department of Social Development." She said action was taken to address the complaints and to ensure the safety of all concerned. "Feedback was given to the complainants."
She asked the public not to approach misbehaving children, but to report it to the manager of Môreson. "Should a member of the public wish to lay charges at the police, an investigation in terms of the Child Justice Act (78/2008) would follow, if and where applicable."
This is no more a children’s home but a gangs’ nest where open sex happens right in front of my wife and me.
chooses which shacks to demolish," Totane said. But according to municipal spokesperson Christopher Bezuidenhout, the area had never been approved for the building of shacks. "This is a land invasion matter. We have never and would never approve construction of shacks in any area. In any development process, we follow normal legislation applicable for the construction of any unit. In this case the claims are untrue," he said. Bezuidenhout explained that the only reason why chemical toilets and water tanks had been provided was because of the Covid-19 pandemic. "The toilets and the water tanks are to provide the people in the informal settlement with the necessary services during this time of Covid-19," he said.