Last week would have been a traumatic time for a three-year-old girl. She was abandoned in a busy store in Albert Street in the midst of month-end shopping on Monday, November 28.

The little girl was left abandoned in Pep stores and staff first noticed the quiet toddler at about 2pm. They carried on with their day, thinking that her mother was shopping nearby and would cuddle up the little girl and take her home when she was done.

But the day passed and by 5pm when staff members were closing for the day, the little girl was still alone in the store.

There was no sign of her mother or guardian and the hope of finding her dwindled as staff members soon realised that the child was abandoned. The child was taken to the Estcourt Police Station and the Social Development Department was called in.

Social Worker Gugulethu Zikalala has been tasked with finding this toddler’s next of kin as it is evident that the child was deserted by her mother.

“The child is female and is approximately three-years-old. She is currently in a place of safety until her next of kin is found,” commented Ms Zikalala.

She added that the child’s identity remains a mystery as she is unable to talk.

“At the moment we do not know her name or surname, she is unable to express herself and this makes it more difficult,” expressed Ms Zikalala.

If you recognise the child pictured or know of her parents or family, please call Ms Zikalala on 036 342 7500.