Online Reporter
JOHANNESBURG. – A Free State mother has been arrested on a charge of child neglect after authorities allegedly found her children living in neglectful conditions while she was under the influence of alcohol.
The arrest follows an incident reported on Monday and investigated the following day after concerns were raised about a six-year-old child who had failed to attend school.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Sinah Mpakane, said a child and youth care worker alerted officials after noticing that the boy had not gone to school.
“The six-year-old boy did not attend school because his mother failed to wash his school clothes,” Mpakane said.
The child was later found wandering in the street and reportedly told officials that his mother had sent him to a shop to buy maize meal.
Concerned about the child’s welfare, Free State Care in Action employee M Gelderblom visited Stop 2 Tavern in Itumeleng, where she allegedly found the children’s mother.
Police said the woman “seemed to be under the influence of alcohol” and was accompanied by her five-year-old child.
Gelderblom reported that the younger child was “dirty and appeared to be inadequately cared for”, adding that both children appeared to be hungry.
Authorities further alleged that a third child, aged 14, was also being affected by conditions at home.
“The suspect is also having the 14-year-old, who is also frequently absent at school due to circumstances regarding neglect within their home,” Mpakane said.
The case has raised concerns because the family had previously received intervention from social workers.
According to Gelderblom, social workers worked with the family between June and December last year in an attempt to address ongoing concerns about the children’s welfare.
“Ms Geldenblom confirmed that the family was receiving support from Social Workers from June 2025 until December 2025 in an effort to address concerns,” Mpakane said.
Police added that the mother allegedly refused assistance for alcohol dependency.
“The suspect, who is the children’s mother, declined to attend treatment for alcohol abuse,” Mpakane said.
Authorities further alleged that the children were at times left without food while their mother was intoxicated.
“The children were also reported to have been left without food, while their mother was under the influence of alcohol,” Mpakane said. – IOL
