THE lives of little girls as young as 12 are being destroyed at the Makause informal settlement in Primrose, Germiston, Ekurhuleni.
It's alleged that ruthless zama zamas lure these girls with money, rob them of their childhood and virginity, and then dump them when they fall pregnant.
Residents are demanding urgent sex education and intervention, saying the situation has spiralled out of control, leaving a trail of single child-mums who are struggling to survive.
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One resident cried out to Daily Sun: "A lot is happening in Makause. Some [girls] are neglected by their mums. This later leads to them being used by the very same men. Sadly, several of these girls are now mums and these guys don't take responsibility."
The community fears the worst for these young victims, whose innocence is being stripped away for a few coins.
"It's not right that kids are robbed of their virginity by older men, some of whom have diseases," said a community leader.
Parents said she tried to call her daughter to order but she was hooked already.
"It becomes difficult when your daughter becomes a mum at a young age and you watch helplessly," said a parent.
Abahlali believe social workers are the only hope for these vulnerable girls.
Spokesman for Gauteng Social Development Motsamai Motlhaolwa described the situation as "disturbing".
He promised swift action and confirmed that the department will send social workers to Makause to investigate these claims.
The community is desperate for intervention before more young lives are shattered.
Police spokesman Sergeant Styles Maome said these are typical statutory rape cases and has urged parents to open cases.
