MATATIELE — Concerns have been raised over the alleged neglect of five children in Matatiele, following claims that their mother, Malwatse Sbandla, repeatedly leaves them at home without adequate food or adult supervision.
According to neighbours, Sbandla allegedly leaves the children, aged from a few months to 13 years, for extended periods while visiting places of entertainment. The children include three boys and two girls.
Phesile Khumbulani, a neighbour who says she often takes care of the children when they are left alone, told The Informer that the situation had become increasingly common.
“She does not care if they have eaten food or not. You will find the kids staying alone with no food. She does not even wash the kids,” Khumbulani alleged.
Khumbulani further claimed that Sbandla recently left the children on Thursday and only returned on Monday. He also alleged that the mother spends time with boyfriends while away and sometimes physically disciplines the children when she returns.
Ward councillor Maile Mapena confirmed that his office had previously received a complaint concerning the children.
“Yes, I once received the case. I attended to it by talking to the mother, who promised that she was not going to leave the kids again,” Mapena said.
Mapena said he had initially observed some improvement but believed the situation may have deteriorated again.
He said social workers should intervene to assess the children’s circumstances and determine what assistance and protection may be necessary.
Sbandla could not be found to respond to these claims.
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