No parental negligence in missing Monarch babies
Police have offered support and counselling to the parents of the two kids who went missing on Saturday, only to be discovered trapped in a neighbour’s car the next day.
The three and two year- old siblings locked themselves in a car that had come for repairs in the neighbour’s yard in Area 8, Monarch.
According to Central Police Station Commander, Superintendent Lebalang Maniki, while parents or guardians can be charged with child neglect,under the Children’s Act, in this case the parents were blameless.
The police boss said the reason it took that long for them to find the kids was because their search was a bit off the radar.
Maniki said their initial thought was that the kids might have wandered off.
“They were found next door trapped in an immobile car. It is common in Botswana and in areas such as Monarch to play next door, it was the two’s usual play ground,” said Maniki.
“We found it wise to offer the parents support and counselling as they were distressed,” he said.
In his remarks Monarch West Councillor Gopolang Almando warned garage owners in Monarch from leaving their cars unlocked in their workshops.
“These cars can pose a serious danger to kids.
Almando further urged garage owners to erect parameter walls or fence to control access.
“Let us also keep an eye on our kids, because they’re an inquisitive lot,” warned Almando.
