JUST IN: Springs girl (2) found in filthy house among guns, drugs and other weapons
Girl moved to place of safety as father, grandmother and uncle all tested positive for drugs.
A two-year-old girl was removed from a house in Persida yesterday (Wednesday) where she lived with her grandmother, biological father and 16-year-old uncle among weapons of all kinds, including a number of firearms.
Amanda Greybe from the Springs police says the house was in horrible condition and compared it with that of hoarders.
After her mother was arrested for theft, the girl was forced to move into her grandmother’s house.
The discovery was made after Springs police received a request from the Springs and KwaThema Child Welfare Society to accompany them to a premises where they received a complaint of a child living in an unstable environment.
Also read: SAPS take infant to place of safety
There was also suspicion of drug use on the premises.
The Social Crime Prevention Unit and Corporate Communications Unit went with the child welfare officials to investigate.
“Upon our arrival, we found it chaotic and the conditions very bad,” says Greybe.
The suspicion of drug abuse was confirmed when the father, grandmother and uncle tested positive for drugs.
The 16-year-old confessed to using tik and handed over the empty drug packets and straws.
Also read: Drugs made girl (16) run away
Various weapons, such as swords, a bow, ninja stars and numerous other handmade weapons were found around the house.
Upon further investigation, one shotgun, one .22 rifle, one 38 special revolver, one .22 long revolver and a pellet gun were discovered as well as three shotgun rounds, seven 38 special rounds and five .22 rifle rounds.
Two of the firearms were discovered under the bed and two were found on the bed under pillows.
“The weapons were easily accessible to the child and there was no safe on the premises.”
One of the firearm licences is in the woman’s name, but has expired.
The other three licences are in her late husband’s name.
Around 770 cellphone sim card starter packs were also confiscated, as police found it suspicious.
When asked about the starter packs, the woman said they found them.
Four shopping trolleys and 19 display racks were confiscated as well.
The grandmother will be charged under the Firearms Act for not keeping the firearms in a safe.
The two-year-old was removed and taken to a place of safety.
