A tragic incident has shaken the community of Riet River, where 12-year-old Shivan Cumberlege took his own life, sparking allegations of abuse and neglect against his parents. In an exclusive interview, Leanne Govindsamy and Sheldon Cumberlege, both 28, defended themselves against the community’s accusations, citing financial struggles as a major challenge for their family.
According to the parents, they were forced to flee their home due to harassment from the community, who claimed that Shivan was a victim of repeated assaults and neglect. However, the couple maintained that their four children were well taken care of, despite their struggles to make ends meet. Govindsamy explained that Shivan was only in Grade 3 because they had enrolled him in school late, due to a loan shark threatening their lives over an unpaid debt.
Allegations of Abuse and Neglect
A 16-year-old relative and neighbour found Shivan’s body after hearing his brother scream, and claimed that Shivan had tried to hang himself from a guava tree outside his home when he was 9 years old. Another relative, Gita Deonarain, alleged that Shivan was forced to grow up before his time, often being kept home from school to babysit his siblings and witnessing physical assaults by his parents.
Deonarain claimed that Shivan had confided in her about his desire to end his life, saying ‘Gita Ma, I am so tired … I am going to hang myself.’ However, the parents disputed these allegations, stating that there was more to the story on how Shivan managed to hang himself, as he never knew how to tie a knot properly.
Community Reaction
The community has called for the couple’s three other children to be removed from their care, citing concerns over their well-being and safety. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) emphasizes the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for children, particularly those who have experienced trauma or abuse.
The following are some key points to consider in this case:
- Shivan’s parents face allegations of abuse and neglect
- The community has called for the couple’s three other children to be removed from their care
- Shivan’s parents claim they were forced to flee their home due to harassment from the community
- The family was struggling to make ends meet, with a loan shark threatening their lives over an unpaid debt
As the investigation into Shivan’s death continues, it is essential to consider the complexities of this case and the potential consequences for the family and community involved. The South African Government has implemented various initiatives to support families and children in need, including the National Child Protection Act.
