Tragedy in KZN: Verulam rocked as 12-year-old boy’s death sparks neglect probe

The Department of Social Development (DSD) and Verulam Child Welfare are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 12-year-old boy who allegedly hanged himself in Riet River on Thursday afternoon.

DSD spokesperson Thuba Vilane told IOL that a risk assessment would also be conducted at the home of Shivan Cumberlege, where his siblings remain in the care of their parents amid allegations of neglect.

“Social workers visited the home on Thursday following the incident, and an investigation is underway,” said Vilane.

The Grade 3 Parkgate Primary School pupil was allegedly found hanging from a roof rafter in his home using his mother’s sari.

Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) said that, according to information gathered from residents, the child had allegedly been left to care for a baby after his mother failed to return home for two days while attending prayers.

“Neighbours informed reaction officers that the child was forced to sell bottles and buy polony for his younger sibling. The boy was last seen alive earlier this morning when his father left for work. He had also spoken to his father telephonically shortly before he was discovered,” said RUSA director Prem Balram.

Lyndelle Moodley, a content creator behind Faces of Verulam, told IOL the community was reeling from shock.

“The emotions are anger, confusion, disbelief, and heartbreak. It's not every day that you hear of a child taking their own life. The community is angered, and they are demanding answers,” she said.

Moodley joined hundreds of mourners at the River Range Ranch in Verulam to bid farewell to the child on Saturday.

“I was heartbroken to see a child in that casket, a child who was robbed of their future, and a child robbed of their childhood because they had to take on adult responsibilities. It just seemed so unfair. A moment that really stood out for me was seeing his siblings in a state of confusion and not understanding the impact of this tragedy,” said Moodley.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Amanda Funani told IOL she would comment once she had obtained more information on the matter. 

IOL News