Listeners to the Afternoon Drive show have shown tremendous compassion for Little “L”, the young girl aged between 5 and 6, who was found in a shack on the East Rand, tied by the ankle to a table, drinking from a bowl of water and gnawing on a bone.

The plight of Little “L” touched many listeners’ hearts after they heard David O’Sullivan interviewing Philip Stoneman from the iThemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre, who gave details of Little “L”’s tragic circumstances. Listeners have donated money and supplies to help the little girl, who had been found in appalling circumstances.

Police were alerted to the little girl’s plight after a member of the community in the informal settlement where she lived heard mewing noises coming from her shack. They broke down the door and found the youngster in a lamentable situation. She was unable to walk, had no sense of balance, was not potty trained. Her moods swung from uncontrollable laughter to violence. Her knees, elbows and ankles were covered in hard callouses.

A counsellor from iThemba placed a doll in her hands which she threw away. She did not respond to any form of maternal affection. She displayed inappropriate promiscuous behavior during the forensic examination, which also proved to be positive.

Her mother has since been arrested and is awaiting trial.

"Little L" is currently in safe care with a community member, but she will need help with ongoing special schooling, diapers, clothing and food. The community member will also need the assistance of an extra pair of hands to ensure that "L" receives extra care.

In a short time, “Little L” has shown a tremendous turnaround. She is unable to talk, but grunts and tries to talk in limited syllables. She is now enjoying having loving, caring people around her and enjoys laughing and playing with her new caregiver. The story of horror is slowly developing into a story of joy and healing.

iThemba is now looking at speech therapy for L, as well as occupational therapy and exposure to art/music therapy. The centre is contacting a local school that specializes in teaching mentally disabled children.

We continue our appeal for assistance for the member of the community who has volunteered to take care of L. She needs financial assistance to buy food, clothes and nappies for the little girl.

If you are able to assist, please get hold of Philip Stoneman at iThemba via e-mail – philip@traumasupport.org.za or via SMS on 073 270 3375. You can find out about iThemba by going to their website: www.traumasupport.org.za.