Lifeline calls for harsher sentences for parents who neglect children

Lifeline Pietermaritzburg has called for harsher sentences for parents who neglect their children, saying
adults who leave minors in unsafe situations should be held criminally accountable when children are harmed or killed.

The organisation’s call comes in the wake of the tragic death of nine-year-old Nonjabulwenhle Nzimande from Willowfontein in the Bulwer area, whose body was found in a veld on Monday after she had been reported missing since last Friday.

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Lifeline Pietermaritzburg director Sinikiwe Biyela said the organisation was deeply disturbed by the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance and death.

Biyela said Lifeline social workers who visited the area and spoke to community members were informed that the child allegedly disappeared while her mother was away, leaving the children alone at home.

As Lifeline we are saying enough is enough. Children are not supposed to be left unattended while parents go out to have fun.

“When a child is harmed due to negligence, there must be serious consequences,” said Biyela.

She said the organisation believes South Africa needs stronger enforcement of child protection laws and tougher sentences for parents or guardians found guilty of neglect.

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We are seeing too many cases where children suffer because adults fail to take responsibility.

“Parents have a duty to protect their children at all times. If that duty is neglected and a child loses their life, the justice system must send a strong message,” she said.

Nonjabulwenhle’s death has sparked outrage in Willowfontein, where residents spent days searching for the little girl before her body was discovered in the veld nearby.

Ward 14 community assistant Mthobisi Mweli previously told The Witness that residents had searched extensively throughout the weekend and were shocked when the child was found in an area that had already been combed by volunteers.

The discovery triggered emotional scenes, with angry residents gathering at the scene and later setting a house alight after unconfirmed claims circulated that some of the child’s belongings had been found there.

Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Sifiso Gwala said investigators are continuing to gather evidence, including conducting DNA analysis as part of the murder investigation.

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Two suspects have been brought in for questioning. DNA samples have been collected and will be analysed to assist with the investigation.

“At this stage, no one has been charged and the investigation is continuing,” said Gwala.

Police have appealed for calm and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.

Biyela said the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for parents, communities and government departments responsible for child welfare.

Every child deserves to be safe. Communities must report neglect early, and authorities must intervene before a tragedy happens.

“We cannot continue losing children because warning signs are ignored,” she said.

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Police investigations are continuing.