Dereleen James in hot water after livestreaming a pella pos raid in Lentegeur
Dereleen James's livestream of a police raid brings attention to child welfare issues in Lentegeur.
Image: Facebook/Dereleen James
ActionSA MP Dereleen James is under fire after livestreaming a raid in Lentegeur where six minors were rescued from alleged dangerous conditions, with cops investigating the incident.
This follows after James announced she would visit the area on Wednesday evening, acting on a tip-off.
The politician arrived with cops at a drug den and livestreamed the operation, where they found a group of women with children. Some of the aunties said that they reportedly use tik after being probed by James.
While the intervention was welcomed, James faced backlash for showing the minors’ faces during the broadcast.
In a statement to the Department of Social Development (DSD), James said the operation was necessary, and the children are now in safer conditions, but admitted she had not sufficiently protected their identities.
ActionSA MP Dereleen James.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media
She said: “I want to acknowledge the honest concerns that we were not careful enough in protecting the identities of the children. As soon as this was flagged, my team took steps to better safeguard their identities.
“We will correct our approach to ensure that these processes are handled with the necessary care and responsibility.
“We are confident that the operation was conducted in accordance with protocol, with the presence of SAPS and social workers. However, this experience has also highlighted the urgent need for closer collaboration with the Department going forward.”
DSD Provincial Minister Jaco Londt confirmed that the children have been placed in alternative care, adding that his department was not present at the raid.
Londt said: “DSD was not part of the planning, or present at the raid. Sections 151-52 of the Children’s Act allow emergency removals of children by a designated social worker (from DSD or a designated child protection organisation) or a police official without a court order if there is an immediate risk to their safety or wellbeing.
“Designated social workers from DSD used the Safety and Risk Assessment Tool to assess the children at the police station.
“We would like to remind everyone that at-risk children may not be identified, as this can further compound an already traumatic experience for those involved.”
Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said that SAPS have noted the scenes that unfolded and that an investigation has been launched.
Traut said: “In light of concerns regarding certain aspects of the incident, a senior SAPS official has been appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the matter.
“SAPS remains committed to the protection of vulnerable members of society, and will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure their safety.”