BREAKING NEWS: Court orders the return of Môrester children
An urgent application made by the KZN Christian Social Services (CSS) to the High Court in Pietermaritzburg today to ensure the safe return of all the Môrester Newcastle children, proved fruitful.
The children were forcibly removed on February 15 and 16 by officials from the Department of Social Development (DSD).
The removal and relocation of these children sparked outrage among the community and organisations who questioned the DSD’s handling of the matter.
The court ruled in favour of the CSS and instructed the DSD to return all the children to their respective child and youth care centres within 36 hours.
The court also ordered that the children were not to be removed again by the department.
The court also ruled that the DSD would carry the cost of the application brought by the CSS.
The court ordered the department to conduct a thorough investigation concerning the allegations it has purported against the children’s homes and set a date for its completion by March 18.
Specific instructions were given, where the investigation must be conducted in a manner that does not further traumatise the children.
The court further instructed the CSS to provide its full support in this investigation and included the parents and legal guardians of the children to be consulted as well.
Reverend Gerhard Botha, CEO of KZN Christian Social Services, says the outcome of the initial hearing today was the first step towards justice for the children in the care of the homes.
“We are so grateful the Court ruled in favour of the children who were the victims of this irresponsible act. Our children are to be returned within the next 36 hours, unharmed and safe. We are very concerned about their wellbeing.”
The DSD was ordered to submit all documents regarding the removal of the children by no later than Friday, February 22.
Rev. Botha confirmed the next hearing date was set for March 25, where the judge will decide if his ruling will become a permanent order:
“We praise the Lord that the interest of our children has prevailed today. We thank the community and other organisations for their support and prayers.”
ORIGINAL STORY: Help save the children of Môrester in Newcastle
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