The Môrester Children’s Home saga continues, with the legal battle continuing between the Department of Social Development and KZN Christian Social Services.
On March 25, representatives from both the KZN Christian Social Services (CSS) and Department of Social Development (DSD) appeared in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
The DSD wants the children out of their respective centres for a period of three months, pending their investigations.
Following the trauma, the children went through when initially removed on February 16, potentially removing the children again could subject them to immense trauma.
Also read: Department of Social Development removes children from
Môrester Children’s Home
However, it seems the allegations brought forward are of a serious nature. During the court case, the DSD claims the children from Ladysmith and Newcastle were subjected to physical and verbal abuse, neglect, racial discrimination, bullying and corporal punishment.
Furthermore, the DSD claims the preliminary findings included:
- At least 11 children were physically abused,
- Another 11 children were allegedly subjected to unfair racial discrimination,
- Three children were apparently neglected,
- Two children wee subjected to verbal and emotional abuse.
The case was postponed to a later date. This will allow both parties time to submit affidavits to the court, regarding the allegations and the investigation process in the weeks to come.
Furthermore, the court claims the initial temporary order stays in place. This means the children will stay at their respective youth care centres, such as Môrester and Home Meah.
Reverend Gerhard Botha, CEO of KZN Christian Social Services, says the decision to keep the order in place is significant.
“If the court is concerned about the safety and wellbeing of the children in our centres, this temporary order would not have been upheld.
Also read: Children safely returned to Môrester Children’s Home
As the legal proceedings continue, what are your thoughts on the situation? Share your views with us in the comments section below.
