Mother arrested after children found hungry and neglected in Free State

A Zastron mother has been arrested and charged with child neglect after social workers and child welfare officials raised concerns about the wellbeing of her three children, who were allegedly left hungry and inadequately cared for.

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A Free State mother is expected to appear in the Zastron Magistrate’s Court 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 August 31 and investigated on September 1 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.

Mother found allegedly drinking at tavern

Concerned about the child's welfare, Free State Care in Action employee Ms 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.

Family previously received social worker support

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 2025 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.

Government departments to investigate

A criminal case of child neglect has been opened, while relevant government departments are expected to become involved in determining the future care and protection of the children.

"A case of child neglect, which will also involve the relevant government department, was registered," Mpakane said.

The woman is expected to make her first court appearance in the Zastron Magistrate’s Court.

IOL News

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