Morester children safe at last
Reverend Gerhard Botha, CEO of KZN Christian Social Services, says the outcome of the initial hearing was the first step towards justice for the children in the care of the homes.
After more than 200 Môrester children were removed from three child youth care centres in Ladysmith and Newcastle on February 15 and 16, by the Department of Social Development (DSD), the High Court ordered the return of the children to the homes thanks to the intervention of KwaZulu-Natal Christian Social Services (CSS).
The department had conducted preliminary investigations which showed instances of physical, verbal and emotional abuse as well as racism, which included the use of the offensive ‘K’ word against African children, and members of staff at the Môrester Children’s Home in Ladysmith.
After receiving an official notification from the DSD on February 18, regarding the apparent allegations and reasons for removal, the KZN CSS, which oversees Môrester, took the matter to the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg.
When the department ignored the High Court order, an urgent application for contempt of court was filed by the CSS on February 20 and the children were instructed to be returned within 36 hours.
The children were then returned, dutifully between February 23 and February 24, to Môrester children’s homes in Ladysmith and Newcastle, and Home Meah in Newcastle.
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 of March 18.
Reverend Gerhard Botha, CEO of KZN Christian Social Services, says the outcome of the initial hearing 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. We are very concerned about their wellbeing.”
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,” he says.
While at the Môrester Newcastle home, caregivers were elated to welcome back its children. Concerned members of the community met on February 22 and made a decision to sponsor home-cooked meals to the children on Sunday (February, 24), which they thoroughly enjoyed.
ORIGINAL STORY: JUST IN: Help save the children of Môrester in Newcastle
UPDATE: Authorities swoop in on Morester Childrens Home
UPDATE: 35 Môrester children moved to places of safety
UPDATE: Court orders the return of Môrester children
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