For almost three months, a 66-year-old woman and her 33-year-old son lived in a makeshift shelter behind an electrical substation on church property in New Germany, Durban, without anyone knowing they were there.
The discovery was made after community upliftment organisation The Elders Voice KZN received an alert on a Sunday evening about the pair’s living conditions.
When volunteers visited the site the following day, they found a torn tent and a makeshift shelter. The organisation said the elderly woman, who suffered a stroke in February, was barefoot, dishevelled and exhausted.
“When we offered to help her, she became tearful with relief. She wasn’t asking about food or possessions. All she said was, ‘I can’t wait to have a warm bath,'” the organisation said.
The woman’s son remained inside the tent and refused to allow volunteers to meet him. The Elders Voice KZN described him as agitated and difficult to engage with, raising concerns about how to safely assist his mother.
Image: Gladiator Security Services
The organisation enlisted the help of Vincent de Beer from Gladiator Investigations, whose intervention enabled the woman to be removed safely from the site.
“As expected, the son was hostile and agitated, but Vincent handled the situation with professionalism, compassion and calm. Thanks to his assistance, we were able to safely remove our granny from the camp,” the organisation said.
The woman has since been placed in a safe home, where she has received a warm meal, clean clothes, a shower and a secure place to stay.
“She is now safely settled in one of our homes. She has enjoyed a warm meal, a long-awaited shower, clean clothes and, most importantly, the safety and dignity she deserves,” the organisation said.
Efforts are now under way to assist her son, who remains at the site. The Elders Voice KZN said it has contacted organisations that specialise in substance abuse and related support services in the hope that he can receive help while maintaining contact with his mother.
The organisation also thanked Gladiator Investigations for assisting during the rescue operation.
“Your willingness to step in without hesitation made all the difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your support,” it said.
