The Madadeni Regional Court has sentenced a mother to eight years behind bars after she was found guilty of child abuse and neglect earlier this month.

According to Lizzy Arumugam of the Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications Department, the incident was reported on August 4, 2025, after a young boy told a neighbour that his mother was highly intoxicated and had assaulted him.

Social workers confirm abuse

The boy further explained that he and his sister sometimes did not go to school due to neglect.

The neighbour immediately reported the matter to social workers, who were able to confirm the allegations after they interviewed the child.

The victim was taken to hospital, where medical practitioners found physical scars consistent with abuse.

“The mother was arrested shortly afterwards and charged with child abuse,” said Arumugam.

The mother appeared before the Madadeni Regional Court on January 20, where she was sentenced to eight years’ direct imprisonment.

Lieutenant Colonel SL Chapi (commander of the Family Violence, Child Protection & Sexual Offences Unit) commended the investigating officer, Constable FTC Dlamini, for her dedication and thorough investigative work that led to the successful conviction.

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