A mother of four appeared in the Somerset West Magistrate's Court on Friday for allegedly tying two of her children to a bed in her shack in the blistering heat while she was at work.
Neighbours from the informal settlement at Sir Lowry's Pass alerted police at around 12pm on Wednesday when they heard the children, aged two and five, screaming.
"The mother has been charged under the Child Justice Act for child neglect. The matter was postponed to January 25 for further investigation. She is being held at Pollsmoor prison," said police spokesman Constable Susan Jantjies.
Meanwhile MEC for social development, Albert Fritz said the children have been placed in the care of a safety parent.
The 28-year-old's other two children, who were at school at the time of the incident, will also be taken to a place of safety.
The children are receiving counselling and support from the Social Development Department as they adjust to their new environment.
"It is the personal responsibility of all parents to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their children and any person found guilty of child abuse in this province should face the full force of the law. This mother's behaviour is inexcusable and I am calling for harsh punitive measures," said Fritz.
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