Abusive parents lose custody of children
Lebogang Baingapi | Wednesday March 23, 2016 14:23
The couple, from Thankane settlement near Jwaneng, were found to have also constantly neglected their children while subjecting them to harsh treatment in the few times they spent with them. Mmegi is withholding the couple’s names to protect the identity of the children who are minors.
Mokgatle found that the mother left her children at the mercy of her abusive partner.
“You failed to uphold your duties of parenthood, to provide food and clothes for your minor children, and yet you had the ability to do so,” he said.
“As their mother you did not take any action to make sure your children were safe from their abusive father and you are only now pledging change in court.
“You only left your kids with your short-tempered partner and I must highlight that indeed those kids need psychological support as they have been harmed both physically and emotionally.”
The magistrate said the Children’s Act of 2009 provided for children to be retrieved from abusive homes and places and shelters. In such cases, the court becomes the guardian for the children.
Social welfare officer, Agnes Maitewa, had lodged an application to have the children retrieved from the couple and housed in a shelter for six months.
During this period, the social worker will closely monitor the family home in Thankane to see whether it is safe for the children to return.
The court will sit again to decide the children’s fate after this date.
In court, the 34-year-old mother, who is currently in jail pending trial on the said matter, tried desperately to convince the magistrate to let her keep her children. “My kids should not be taken away from me while I am still alive because I would like to teach them life disciplines.
They stay with their aunt in Thankane and I will ensure that I supply all their needs,” she said.
The mother told court that she was not present when her partner abused her children and had only learnt about the matter through a phone call when one of the minors was hospitalised due to the injuries sustained.