As Child Protection Week draws to a close, the Eastridge community in Mitchells Plain is grappling with the tragic death of a three-year-old boy with a disability. The circumstances surrounding the toddler's passing on Wednesday night remain shrouded in mystery, with allegations of neglect and substance abuse swirling within the neighbourhood.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that an investigation is underway. "Mitchells Plain police responded to a complaint on Wednesday, 4 June 2025. Upon their arrival in Olive Street in Eastridge at about 7.30pm, they found the body of a three-year-old boy," he stated. Medical personnel declared the child deceased at the scene.
"Mitchells Plain police registered an inquest for further investigation," Swartbooi added, indicating the initial steps being taken to determine the cause and circumstances of the toddler's death.
Adding to the community's distress, preliminary reports suggest the child may have been left unattended for an extended period. Linda Jones, spokesperson for the Mitchells Plain Community Police Forum (CPF), revealed that the CPF is committed to a thorough investigation.
"I was informed by a reliable source that there was no one in the house when the body was found," Jones said. "And people say it seems the body could have been there for more than a day."
The Daily Voice visited the Olive Street home on two separate occasions yesterday, but neither the mother nor any other family members were present. The absence of the family has further fuelled speculation and concern within the community.
Norman Jantjies, chairperson of the Mitchells Plain CPF, expressed his concern over the circumstances surrounding the death. "We are aware of the child who passed away and are worried about the circumstances," he said.
While cautioning against speculation, Jantjies acknowledged the community's concerns. "We cannot speculate but what we have heard from the community is that this family is involved in substance abuse, so it is a rather unfortunate case, and the community [suspects] that they neglected this child."
Jantjies further explained the legal procedures that would follow such an incident. "Because of the unnatural death, there will be an inquest, and criminal charges might follow…" he stated, indicating the potential for serious legal repercussions depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Despite the challenges, the Mitchells Plain SAPS confirmed that the parents had been to the mortuary to identify the toddler yesterday evening.
Jones said that "It was confirmed by the colonel at the Mitchells Plain SAPS that the parents were at the mortuary and the Department of Social Development is working on the case." This involvement of the Department of Social Development suggests that the family was already known to social services or that the authorities are taking steps to assess the welfare of any other children who may be involved.
The community of Eastridge is now left to mourn the loss of a young life, while grappling with unanswered questions and allegations of neglect. The investigation is ongoing, and the truth surrounding the toddler's death remains to be uncovered.
Authorities are appealing to anyone with information related to this tragic incident to come forward. Members of the public can contact Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could prove vital in piecing together the events leading up to the toddler's death and ensuring that justice is served.
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