DEPUTY MINISTER HENDRICKS CALLS FOR SWIFT JUSTICE AFTER SOWETO CHILDREN DIE IN SHACK FIRE

By DSD News

• Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks has petitioned SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola for a 60-hour operation to track down and arrest the suspect, who is reportedly on the run.
• A special session of the Deputy President’s Men’s Parliament will be convened to mobilise men and boys against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
• The Department of Social Development and SASSA are providing trauma counselling, psychosocial support and emergency relief to the bereaved family.

PRETORIA, 19 October 2026 – The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Hon. Ganief Hendricks, has called for urgent action following a shack fire in Protea South informal settlement, in which three children reportedly lost their lives.
According to reports, a father allegedly locked two of his children and a stepchild inside a shack before setting it alight.

Deputy Minister Hendricks expressed profound shock and outrage at the incident, condemning the alleged act in the strongest possible terms. He described it as a horrific tragedy that underscores the need for decisive action against domestic violence, violence against children, and GBVF.

The tragedy has once again highlighted how vulnerable children can be within their own homes, and the need for government, law enforcement agencies, communities and families to work together to prevent violence and protect those at risk.

Call for a 60-hour manhunt

In response to the incident, the Deputy Minister formally petitioned the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, to ensure that the suspect is apprehended and brought to justice.
He called for an intensive, coordinated 60-hour operational intervention to locate and arrest the alleged perpetrator so that he faces the full might of the law.

The Deputy Minister also called for existing preventative measures and rapid-response mechanisms to be reviewed and strengthened to better protect women and children facing threats of domestic violence. He said such interventions must prioritise the early identification of risks, timely reporting, effective law enforcement and coordinated support for vulnerable families.

The Department reiterated that the protection of children and other vulnerable members of society must remain a national priority, and that perpetrators of violence must be held accountable in accordance with the law.

Men and boys called to action

To confront the underlying causes of violence against women and children, Deputy Minister Hendricks announced plans to convene a special session of the Deputy President’s Men’s Parliament.

The session will seek to mobilise men and boys across all sectors of society to challenge harmful attitudes, promote responsible behaviour, strengthen accountability and take an active part in preventing violence in homes and communities.

The initiative will reinforce the message that ending GBVF requires the collective commitment of government, civil society, traditional and community leaders, families and, in particular, men and boys. It will also contribute to national efforts to eliminate GBVF by 2030, with a focus on prevention, community intervention and the protection of women and children.

“We cannot allow our homes and communities to become places of fear and horror for our children. The safety and protection of every child must be non-negotiable. Men and boys must take responsibility and play an active role in ending this scourge. We must reject violence in all its forms and work together to build families and communities where every child can live in safety, dignity and peace,” said the Deputy Minister.

Support for the family

The Department of Social Development, working with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and local support structures, is mobilising assistance for the surviving family members and others affected by the tragedy.

The support includes psychosocial services, trauma counselling and emergency relief to help the family cope with their loss and begin the process of healing.
The Department extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and all those affected. It acknowledged that the loss of young lives in such horrific circumstances causes profound trauma and requires compassionate, sustained support.

Community members are urged to remain vigilant, report suspected cases of child abuse and domestic violence to the relevant authorities, and seek help when individuals or families are at risk. Help is available through the following services:
•⁠ ⁠Gender-Based Violence Command Centre: 0800 428 428 (toll-free, 24 hours), or dial *120*7867# from any cellphone
•⁠ ⁠Childline South Africa: 116 (toll-free, 24 hours)
•⁠ ⁠SAPS Emergency: 10111
•⁠ ⁠SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111, for anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect