Begging minors risk their lives
Aged between 11 and 14, the minors opened up about the circumstances that have led them to beg in the streets.
What kind of parents let their children risk their lives wandering around a very busy intersection?
It’s probably the question most motorists asked themselves when they came across four young boys begging for food and money at the Hendrik Potgieter Road and Clearwater Mall/ Makro entrance intersection this past weekend.
After an earlier complaint from a motorist, who was shocked to see these children begging, the Northsider eventually managed to pounce on these youngsters, who usually run away from authorities.
The journalist managed to get a few minutes of their time without intimidating them while they were pleading for loose change from the drivers of vehicles stopped at the traffic light.
Aged between 11 and 14, the youngsters opened up about the circumstance which have led them to beg in the streets.
When asked why they were begging, they said that they beg to get pocket money (unlike your typical beggar who needs to put food on the table). Although they only beg occasionally, they tend to frequent the streets during school holidays. They said they hail from Bertrams, a suburb near the Johannesburg CBD, and they use a taxi to get to Strubens Valley.
Getting their names was a bit difficult; but after the Northsider journalist threatened to report them to the police, they disclosed some personal information, including the names of the schools they attend.
Two younger ones said they attend Troyeville Primary School while the older ones said they go to Jules High School.
Their concerning behaviour was reported to the Roodepoort Child Welfare office, which confirmed that they had knowledge of the matter.
The director of the welfare society, Estelle Odendaal, said she had previously sent inspectors to the location to deal with the matter. “We are under the impression that their parents don’t know their whereabouts. We are always on the lookout for such reports. We normally attend to these spots with our branded vehicles so that the public knows who we are, but on our arrival these children just run away,” she said, explaining the challenge they face.
