Outrage As Toddler’s Photos With Gang Tattoos Spark Social Investigation

A child rights activist has reported a Wellington mother to social workers after photos emerged of her toddler son covered with 28 prison gang tattoos, igniting public outrage and raising concerns about the child’s safety.

Social Media Backlash

The images, posted by the boy’s mother, Shauneze Manelfe, on Facebook, show the three-year-old making gang signs associated with the 28s prison gang while sporting what appear to be prison tattoos, commonly known as “gunyas.” The posts were met with widespread condemnation online, with many accusing the mother of exposing her child to gang culture.

In earlier posts, the mother herself was seen using hand signs linked to the Terrible Josters street gang, a known affiliate of the 28s prison gang.

Damaris Kiewiets, a 57-year-old child rights activist, traced the family after encountering resistance from law enforcement. Western Cape Department of Social Development spokesperson Esther Lewis confirmed that the family had been located and a social work investigation was underway.

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“The department has worked with various stakeholders to trace the family. While we can’t comment on specifics, a social work process has been initiated to assess the appropriate intervention or support,” Lewis said.

She noted that a social work investigation can proceed independently of a criminal investigation.

Activist’s Struggles With Law Enforcement

Kiewiets expressed frustration after officers from the Paarl Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit reportedly declined to open a criminal case.

“They told me since the markings were not permanently tattooed, no criminal case could be opened. I was disappointed. If you stand for children, you must act,” she said.

Undeterred, Kiewiets conducted her own investigation, obtaining the mother’s details and passing them to social workers.

Kiewiets argued that the child should be removed from the mother’s care, citing concerns about his exposure to gang culture.

“I believe this is child abuse. The boy is being indoctrinated into gang culture, and his safety is at risk,” she stated.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has assured the public that all measures will be taken to ensure the child’s well-being.

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