Vistanews 20160218

Page 1

Die Goudveld se keuse sedert

1971

Restaurant

Wednesday & Sunday Buffet – Chinese/Italian Buffet

since

Adults –

The Goldfields' Choice

R49.95 Children – u/10 R20.00

Come Enjoy The Best Buffet Ever. Pizza Special (Only Monday-Friday)- Medium R39.95

Wenner van die ATKV-mediaveertjie 2012 vir beste streekkoerant in Suid-Afrika TEL (057) 357 1304

TEL: 057 352 5430/9 OR 084 503 7648, PRETORUISSTRAAT Accommodation DAGBREEK WELKOM

X1R49R1W-VI180216

DONDERDAG 18 FEBRUARIE 2016

WWW.VISTANEWS.CO.ZA

GRATIS

House of horrors

Disabled mother and son starving to death Teboho Setena UNABLE to do anything and fend for themselves, blind mother Sharon van Schalkwyk and her son, Selwyn, are starving to death in a house in Bronville, Welkom. Selwyn (25) is blind and physically disabled. Because of her blindness, Sharon (43) is unable to help her son. Living in abject poverty and hunger, they are desperate for a humane way to end their suffering. No help has come their way to rescue them from their misery. Apparently support groups, including social services, have “discarded” them. A close family member said her last-ditch effort to call the Human Rights Commission with the hope to rescue Sharon and Selwyn from the dire situation had been dealt a blow. Although Sharon and Selwyn receive a state disability grant Z R2 800 (R1 400 each) Z the money is not enough as an additional six unemployed, adult family members also rely on their grant. Among the six adults, unemployed family members is daughter Gayline van Schalkwyk (19), a mother of two baby girls. Including Gayline’s two children, ten people in total rely on the disability grants of Sharon and Selwyn. Concerted efforts to rescue Sharon and Selwyn from the death trap has come in the donation of nutritious food from community members. During Vista’s visit on Tuesday (16/02), Sharon and Selwyn had oats for breakfast and porridge (pap) with tinned fish for lunch. Those willing to help them from their misery, told Vista of their harrowing experience to deal with unbearable verbal abuse, name-calling and accusations of interfering in private family matters. Due to this apparent violent confrontation, potential helpers have been forced to watch Sharon

HELPLESS and blind, the disabled Selwyn van Schalkwyk (25) lies on a mattress on the floor of the house which he shares with many family members. Photos: Teboho Setena

and Selwyn starving to death and wither away over days. Their suffering resulted in ill health, possible organ failure and other health complications. Their bodyweight has become increasingly low and they have become skeletons with daily weight-loss.

The impact of starvation and lack of care is visible in both. They are struggling with speech and have developed severe bedsores – especially Selwyn. During Vista’s visit, none of the other family members were around, except for daughter

BATTLING ill health and starvation, Sharon van Schalkwyk (43), who is blind, shares the bedroom with her equally ill and physically disabled son.

Gayline. Sharon and Selwyn were found sleeping in a bedroom with an unpleasant odour. Selwyn was lying flat, with his face downwards on a mattress. He was pleading in a faint voice to be helped to sit straight up. A source said their situation had deteriora-

ted mid last year after a local support group had stopped rendering services apparently after a live-in family member had reported that their disability grant cards had been stolen while in fact, it was with the support group.

Golden Orange & Manny's 179 Power Road Tel: 057 396 5695

Strip Centre, Bok Street, Next to Post Ofce Tel: 061 739 2838

NO ALCOHOL SOLD TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS.

X1R2RM0M-VI040216

JJ PRECON WALLING & STEELWORKS Harmony Way, Virginia

Is jy moeg R1200 instelasie ingesluit Kontak Johan vandag. gesukkel? X1R4ANEH-VI180216

072 803 9101

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