Investigation Launched into Child Abuse Allegations at Aryan Benevolent Home

Confirming the severity of the allegations, the centre’s General Manager, Ray Naguran, acknowledged that 48 children had been affected by the abuse.

Mbali Shinga, the newly appointed KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, has launched a comprehensive investigation into disturbing allegations of child abuse at the Aryan Benevolent Home Child and Youth Care Centre in Chatsworth, Durban.

Shinga took immediate action following reports of child abuse, visiting the facility on Tuesday to assess the situation firsthand. According to the provincial department, there have been distressing accounts of children being subjected to physical abuse, including assaults with wet towels and belts, allegedly ignored by staff.

Expressing disappointment, Shinga remarked on the failure of management to detect these abuses sooner, stating, "I believe that one person should have picked this up before it reached this stage because it has been happening for a long time."

Confirming the severity of the allegations, the centre’s General Manager, Ray Naguran, acknowledged that 48 children had been affected by the abuse.

In response, MEC Shinga has established a dedicated investigative team to thoroughly probe these grave concerns. This team, led by the department’s Head of Department, has been tasked with uncovering the truth, providing support to affected children, and ensuring appropriate actions are taken against any perpetrators.

Furthermore, Shinga emphasized the importance of hearing from all children residing at the home, including those currently away for the holidays, to gather their perspectives on the allegations. The investigative team has been given a strict deadline of three weeks to complete their inquiry and compile a detailed report for review.

“The department remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society and upholding the highest standards of care within our child welfare institutions," stated Shinga. "The safety and well-being of our children are paramount, and any instances of child abuse will be met with swift and decisive action.”

Naguran disclosed that as a result of the investigation, four child caregivers implicated in the abuse have been dismissed from their positions.

The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure justice and accountability in this distressing case of alleged child abuse at the Aryan Benevolent Home.