74 Children Removed From Unsafe Homes in Eldorado Park, South Africans Relieved

• The death of a four-year-old child who was raped and killed in Eldorado Park sparked a movement in the area aimed at addressing child neglect
• To date, the South African Police Service, community groups, and social workers have removed 74 abused and neglected children from their homes
• In the previous week, 27 children were rescued, and South Africans believed that more work must be done in other areas, too

Tebogo Mokwena, a dedicated Briefly News current affairs journalist, contributed coverage of international and local social issues, including health, corruption, education, unemployment, labour, service delivery protests, and immigration in South Africa, during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

ELDORADO PARK, GAUTENG — South Africans believe that more children must be saved nationwide after a joint effort between stakeholders resulted in the rescuing of 74 children in Eldorado Park, johannesburg, since the beginning of August 2025.

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According to eNCA, community groups, the South African Police Service, and social workers have teamed up to rescue children from unsafe homes. The death of a four-year-old child who was raped and killed allegedly by her father sparked concern for children's well-being in Eldorado Park.

Children rescued from unsafe homes

The children were rescued from 56 households. Community leader Cheryl Pillay said that the community was shaken by the death of Nikita. The community has thus resolved to intensify efforts to alert each other and authorities of possible child neglect and abuse cases.

Pillay said that the community is working with the authorities. The children who are rescued are taken to a safehouse in the community. She said that the operation's first priority is to place the children with their relatives, and within the system if there is no alternative.

Another similar incident of child neglect, which shook the nation, took place in Newclare, Johannesburg. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department, in conjunction with community leaders, arrested three adults for allegedly forcing a four-year-old child to smoke drugs. The child's mother was among those who were arrested.

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What did South Africans say?

Netizens commenting on Facebook saluted the community leaders.

Elezaine Manuel said:

"Well done. It's also sad that so many children suffer, and there are many more. People must also speak up."

Amanda Lodewyk said:

"There are still many more. I'm just from a house where the small ones under thirteen don't attend school. They smoke vape and weed."

Desire Wood said:

"Good. Our government doesn't care, so the people have to take charge."

Shireen Adam said:

"Thanks to the team."

Lyndon Brown said:

"Some so-called foster homes are worse than the homes the kids come from. I hope they choose wisely."

9-year-old girl accuses brother of abuse

In a related article, Briefly News reported that a nine-year-old girl accused her 18-year-old brother from Limpopo of raping her. The brother was arrested on 20 August 2025.

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The victim told one of the community members about the incident, and the community took action. They took the victim and the suspect to the police station, where he was arrested.

Source: Briefly News