THE deputy prime minister’s office has confirmed that it is actively addressing the case of 15 children who were discovered living in a basement of a mall in Manzini.
Director of Social Welfare Services Mcusi Shongwe said the office has already deployed social workers from Manzini to investigate the situation and provide immediate intervention where necessary.
He said it is still too early to reveal the circumstances that led to the children living in such conditions as a full assessment is currently underway.
“We are not supposed to conduct rushed assessments. We must be thorough and ensure that all aspects are carefully considered. We cannot brush off the matter as there may be underlying issues that require proper analysis,” he said.
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Shongwe added that social welfare officers are expected to visit the site during the week to determine the full extent of the situation and guide further action.
Reports indicate that the children were found living beneath a mall along the Matsapha–Manzini corridor, where they had created a makeshift shelter in a basement not intended for human habitation.
The children are said to be sleeping on worn-out foam mattresses and cardboard, under damp and unhygienic conditions, with some areas affected by drainage water flowing near their sleeping space.
It is further alleged that the children come from different parts of the country and may be exploited by individuals who use them to solicit money and handouts from passers-by. However, authorities say these claims will form part of the ongoing investigation.
The DPM’s office assured the public that the matter was being treated with urgency, with social welfare teams working to establish the children’s backgrounds and determine appropriate interventions to ensure their safety and well-being.
