Mother arrested after children found hungry and neglected in Free State

A Free State mother is set to face the Zastron Magistrate’s Court, accused of child neglect after her children were discovered in deplorable conditions while the mother was allegedly intoxicated. The allegations emerged following a report on August 31 and subsequent investigation on September 1, sparked by concerns over a six-year-old child missing school.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Sinah Mpakane revealed that a child and youth care worker had alerted officials about the boy's absence, as his mother had neglected to wash his school clothes. The boy was later seen wandering the streets, stating that his mother had sent him to a shop to purchase maize meal. Concerned for the boy's wellbeing, Ms M Gelderblom, a representative from Free State Care in Action, visited Stop 2 Tavern in Itumeleng and encountered the children's mother.

Gelderblom noted that the younger child appeared unkempt and malnourished, alongside the mother, who seemed intoxicated. Authorities also mentioned a 14-year-old child, who frequently missed school due to neglect at home. The mother allegedly resisted help for alcohol dependency. Social workers had previously intervened with the family between June and December 2025 to address welfare concerns.

Authorities allege that the children were sometimes left without food while their mother consumed alcohol. A criminal case of child neglect has been initiated, involving relevant government departments for the children's future care and protection. The mother is scheduled to appear in the Zastron Magistrate’s Court for her initial court hearing.