The Western Cape Department of Social Development has launched an investigation following the death of a three-year-old boy in Eastridge, Mitchell’s Plain.
The toddler died last week, after he was allegedly neglected and abandonment by his drug-addicted parents.
READ MORE: Mitchell’s Plain community reeling after death of three-year-old boy
The little boy — who is believed to have either been mentally or physically challenged — was found dead on Wednesday evening, after neighbours had apparently complained. The department’s Esther Lewis confirmed that her department has launched a probe.
“The department cannot comment on the specifics of the case. However, we can confirm that we are investigating. In general, if a report is received of possible neglect or abuse of children, social workers will conduct a safety and risk assessment to determine the level of intervention needed to safeguard the child, sometimes other the interventions for family members are also done where appropriate. These interventions are all based on the individual outcomes of assessments,” Lewis said.
The department has urged community members to report cases of child neglect or abuse if they are aware of them, and not to turn a blind eye.
“We strongly urge anyone who suspects a child is being abused or neglected to report this to the nearest DSD office, a designated child protection organisation or the police,” Lewis concluded.
