The Phuthaditjhaba Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, working with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Department of Social Development, successfully ensured justice for two children under the age of five, who were left alone for almost four days in December 2024.
The children nearly burned down their house, while trying to cook for themselves.
On Tuesday, September 2025, the 38-year-old mother of the two children, aged four and five, was sentenced to three years’ direct imprisonment by the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court for child neglect.
It is alleged that on 13 December 2024, concerned community members noticed that the children had been left unattended. The children nearly set the house on fire while attempting to cook. The Department of Social Development, through a social worker, and the police were alerted. A docket was opened and investigated.
The mother was traced, arrested, and first appeared in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on 20 December 2024. The children were immediately rescued and placed in a place of safety.
This sentence serves as a clear message to parents that they have a responsibility to care for and protect their children. Daily supervision is a duty of both parents, as children have the right to be fed, clothed, educated, and safeguarded. Parents are reminded not to prioritise substance or alcohol abuse over the wellbeing of their children.
Every child has the right to life and protection, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
