The administrator of the Beitun-Nur Home for Destitute Children has resigned amid shocking allegations that he installed cameras inside the home to watch the naked girls and stored child porn on his computer.
Ishmail Davids along with chairperson, Moulana Shafiek Alaway, were confronted by angry parents, donors and former board members on Tuesday who demanded answers to allegations of financial mismanagement and privacy violations at the Schaapkraal home, which was established 27 years ago.
But instead, the large crowd were greeted by the men’s lawyers.
The duo later agreed to a meeting with the media present where board member, Zona Morton, explained they had been notified of various discrepancies.
She says Davids allegedly promoted himself to administrator and treasurer and installed CCTV cameras in the passages and prayer room without consultation.
Board members say the issues at the home came to light three weeks ago when they received word that the home had been closed for December and the girls were sent to live with relatives who cannot provide for them.
In one case, they found teen sisters living in a house with only men in Bonteheuwel while their father smoked drugs.
The board called officials from the Human Rights Commission and the Department of Social Development to inspect the home which accommodates 11 girls aged between three and 16.
It was found that the home was not properly registered and did not meet safety requirements.
A shocked Morton says when they confiscated the hard drive of Davids’ computer, they found child pornography.
“That is a matter for Crime Intelligence and the Hawks, but it was also ascertained that he could access the CCTV footage from the cameras from his cellphone,” she adds.
Speaking during the meeting chaired by Roegshanda Pascoe of the Western Cape Safety Forum, Davids claimed the cameras were installed for safety as they only had one security guard on duty.
UNDER SURVEILLANCE: Prayer room. Picture: Monique Duval
He said: “With Schaapkraal becoming a very high risk for the crowbar gang and there is a lot of thieves roaming around here it was important for us to put the CCTV cameras in.
“We didn’t put it there to see how the girls are walking naked and yes, I got it on my phone but ever since it is on my phone, I can’t use it because you must have Wi-Fi.”
Commenting on the camera in the prayer room, Davids said: “I make salaah with them, I lead the salaah! So why must I still watch them?”
When the Daily Voice questioned Davids about claims that he had child pornography on his computer, his lawyer told him not to answer.
ACCUSED: The administrator. Picture: Monique Duval
Both men opted to resign from the home but social development minister, Sharna Fernandez, says her department is investigating the allegations.
“I have received numerous calls and messages in response to a WhatsApp message that is circulating regarding the Beitun Nur Home for the Destitute in Schaapkraal.
“I can confirm that we were alerted last week to a situation that is receiving our urgent and ongoing attention.
“The team out on the ground and the Department’s officials will leave no stone unturned regarding this matter.”
Morton says the board also discovered that funds had been removed from the home’s bank account and a Mercedes Vito minivan worth R115 000 purchased without authorisation.