The Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare has issued a statement cautioning the public against spreading misinformation related to a recent child removal case.
The statement stressed the importance of supporting professionals and child protection efforts.
Executive director of gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati on Tuesday addressed social media speculation regarding the legality and motives behind the removal, clarifying that the intervention was conducted in full compliance with the Child Care and Protection Act 2015 (CCPA) and under court orders.
Officials determined that the affected children’s immediate environment posed a serious risk to their well-being.
“The dissemination of unverified claims suggesting that procedures were not followed or implying hidden agendas is harmful. Such remarks erode public trust, damage the reputation of professionals, and jeopardise the child protection system,” Nghipondoka-Robiati said.
She said misinformation has already led to harassment of one of the social workers involved in the case, both in person and on social media.
The ministry condemned such actions.
“At the core of this misinformation is the damage to the child’s well-being. It is crucial that discussions around such cases are informed and responsible,” the ministry stressed.
The authorities encourage anyone dissatisfied with child protection decisions to formally report their concerns to the police rather than spreading potentially harmful allegations online.
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