Parents Who Destroyed Girl's Body: "She's Just Playing Dead Again"

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The Story of Poppie van der Merwe
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#documentary #themiserymachine #truecrime
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[@TheMiseryMachine]

There will be no video on Monday, but be on the lookout for a live interview with us that will take place on Scribe Light's channel tomorrow at 6PM EST. Please have a safe holiday weekend and Merry Christmas for those celebrating. Thanks for helping us make this a great year. We are so thankful for all of you!! Come say hi in our Discord. We'll be active in there over the holidays: discord.gg/kCCzjZM ❤Drewby + Yergy

[@carolgannon2307]

I hope you 2 have a very Merry Christmas if you celebrate & I just wanted to say thank you for all you do to help spread awareness about these tragic cases. So many of these are so hard to hear, I can’t even imagine what it’s like to research them. 😢 I just always try to remember what a few people I watch say that’s so true, “the least I can do is listen if this child actually endured it”.

[@kimwalsh]

I have had an emotional roller coaster ride with you both this year. I have much respect & love for The Misery Machine, Thank you for spending the year in my living room, the bus, dentist office, kitchen, back porch and in my bedroom [on the lap top lol] Peace & Love to you Yergy and your Drewby and sweet kitties ~~ May the New Year bring you all that you need and some of what you want. Ontario Canada Loves both Misery Channels & the Creators/Hosts 💙💚🤎💕❤💛😻😻😻🥰

[@christy1155]

Hope you guys have a great Christmas with your furbabies ❤

[@leahsyl81]

I absolutely love your content and look forward to seeing your videos. I wish you both a very happy holiday and an amazing New Year! ❤🎄🎅🏻🎉🇨🇦

[@bobbierobinson6269]

Merry Christmas.

[@leigh42]

Shout out to the town folk and prisoners for getting street justice first, then letting the law handle it since they werent paying attention anyway.

[@americanhuman1848]

+1

[@Kim-ev8pr]

The woman posing as a police officer was priceless 😂

[@raiannax4430]

💯

[@terridemaio2926]

Doing Happy Dance Here Kids Don't play Dead And shame on the Doctor THE fact that she said they Hurt me

[@kathytaverna9987]

I can't believe how much this community ignored the issues with the children 😮😮😮😮

[@conniemorgan8402]

Unfortunately, sometimes jailhouse justice is the only justice these poor babies receive. I can’t say that I disapprove..

[@cyclone8974]

Nothing is going to happen to the mother in that case.

[@lailanimessina1473]

@@cyclone8974how do u know lol a jail filled with females that aren’t able to see their kids don’t take lightly to c*nts that harm them

[@amyheskett4104]

This is so true.

[@jamestheanimegod-gk9ob]

They put child abusers in protective custody so 9/10 they will not get touched

[@xBINARYGODx]

Then you're a scum bag who doesn't actually believe in the ideals of this or any modern-enough nation - your bloodlust from being bothered in the moment is not the basis for a justice system. How about your think about prevention instead of satisfying your blood lust for revenge. One saves a child, the other does not.

[@chaneykane3828]

Shame on that doctor. “They hurt me” is a pretty clear sentence to me.

[@BitterSweetAerith]

Not only that but like, if a kid with limited speech says “they hurt me” I would try to find a way to accommodate that… maybe like a “can you show me a picture of who hurt you, or… “can you point to who you mean?”

[@anthonyfox585]

I'm not surprised tbh, this is unfortunately all too common

[@emileelamica7701]

If the child can put together that sentence, you can ask "Who hurt you?" and expect a decent response. "Mom and Dad," would have sufficed. This doctor should be ashamed.

[@carolgannon2307]

I actually screamed YES!!! when you spoke about the woman who pretended to be the police and took Louisa somewhere where she was beaten badly. That made me think of another tragedy you spoke on in New Mexico where 3 men were beaten & doused in gasoline for killing & SA’ing a young girl & the mother of the girl stopped the people from lighting the match. She wanted justice through the courts. If I was the mom I would have lit the match myself. I just hope these precious little girls are resting peacefully & the family members left to mourn are doing ok. 😢❤💔❤️‍🩹❤️

[@sallyspigt]

Me too. Crying for the poor girl but I'm so so happy they are having to fear for their own lives, they are not parents not even human

[@sweetcocoa]

Wow, I never heard about that case, do you know the name of the mother or child?

[@pricklypear7516]

Can you perhaps elaborate on this case? I've lived in New Mexico almost all my long life, and I think I would have heard of and remembered such an event.

[@sarah-rubywilliams-ramouta8146]

Yeah, but she was only beaten once, as an adult. Poppy’s tiny, fragile, little body was beaten and tortured for years by a grown man, it was all she ever knew…. No comparison there, no justice done.

[@erikm8372]

I’m thinking of a different case from New Mexico… the one involving the ten year old girl dismembered in the bathtub, while her mom was “out running errands” but it was actually a heroin run. Her mom was charged with negligence leading to death due to her opiate addiction… Danielle was the girl’s name, I think? No history of abuse, just an absent-minded and opiate-addicted mother. But allegedly, a female “babysitter” friend was responsible for the majority of the crime, along with “Fabian”, her cousin or possibly just friend… don’t remember. They blamed it on a “man” who showed up at the house, who was never identified, of course. When police came, alerted by the smoke (yeah, because they tried to burn her body, smart…), the woman fled the scene, dropping her big ass from a second or third floor window, and damaging her ankle in the process. She can later be seen in court videos obviously limping, in a wheelchair or needing to sit. Her phone call recordings from prison are mind-numbing and ridiculously painful to listen to. Every other word from her is “dawg…like…homie…like…dawg…like…yo I’m fucked” 🤣

[@denisemartin3798]

It's disgusting that children are repeatedly let down by the people who are supposed to keep them safe. The doctors, the police, the child protection agencies, and their own parents. It infuriates me to no end!!!

[@iveliserojas612]

I think poppy wasn’t the stepdad daughter or the boy it was her ex who has hard time to see he’s kids

[@user-ne7zi3ym3b]

I am so thankful that I had good parents.

[@sherrieraviscioni1954]

I agree w you 100% it's sad it makes me want to scream from roof tops , what's wrong w you people? SAVE ANY CHILD , SAVE AS MANY AS YOU CAN IT DOESENT MATTER JUST SAVE THEM

[@malittlekitteh]

Let's also give a dishonorable mention to the friggin' pastor who chastised the grandmother and told her to mind her own business. The fuck.

[@dumbysoup9011]

A baby doesn’t “play dead” if she stops breathing and moving it could be her having seizures or passing out from the torture. Poor Poppy and all the children who had to suffer through that.

[@alecalgard8177]

It sounds like the kids were just really bad and didn’t listen.

[@samer.mghabghab]

​@@alecalgard8177 insert your comment up your rectum

[@sweethistortea]

@@alecalgard8177 Harming a child is NEVER justified, and you've been spamming this nonsense.

[@sharihazlett3774]

​​@@alecalgard8177 C.A. is Never OK. What could a child do to make you Kill them?? Even after he killed her, they kept it up.

[@eggbun1856]

don't even bother feeding the troll. this person is commenting the same thing in most comment threads on this video. it's either a 12 year old going thru their "edgy" phase or an adult with no job or relationships and a supremely unfulfilling life.

[@amyandnatasha1522]

Looking at pictures of the stepfather in court , I can't imagine how terrifying it must have been for these two little children to face him when he got angry. 😢

[@suzannegaglie6146]

He was a real life monster

[@thegreenmanofnorwich]

I can imagine he was a terrifying vision when in a towering rage. Even just there, he's a bit unsettling (though that may be my emotional reaction to the account of what happened)

[@Alexandra-dy2ns]

Unbelievable. A baby says she is hurt and shows visible signs of abuse, yet is too confused or scared to name the culprits and is handed back to her torturers. This doctor should also be prosecuted.

[@nickyd3197]

I don't understand how neighbors didn't kick in the door and save those kids. Call the police but check on the children also. Very sad case. In the Caribbean, abusers get dealt with. We don't wait for police.

[@jamielee7404]

True. People seem to be so scared to intervene

[@SewardWriter]

Caribbean has a good system.

[@user-io3kh7cy9y]

That is the most sensible thing I have heard on abuse cases. If people know they might be lynched, they might just think about their behaviour. Terrible case.

[@getampedbegoum]

bystander effect

[@stannetaprospere4301]

Not true. Women and children are barely acknowledge as persons in the Caribbean. Parents, hell anyone is allowed to hit a child it's not even considered abuse. I am painfully aware of that, I was physically emotionally and verbally abused by my grandparents. Everyone in the community knew and did nothing. They told everyone that I was a devious and vicious child that would tell lies so my bruises were ignored by my teachers, people in the church even the nurse practitioner that treated me. I went to walk-in clinic by myself at 10 years old because I was dizzy, vomiting and words didn't make sense. I kept getting confused and forgetting what I was doing. Turns out I was having symptoms of a concussion. That was the last straw, I packed my bags and run away in the middle of the night. And that might not sound like much to you but understand that I have grade three social anxiety. At the time I could barely function in public I couldn't speak without stuttering and I shook like a Chihuahua if someone looked at me. But I knew no one would help me and the only other option was to let them kill me slowly. There is very little safety net for children in the caribbean. If your parents do not take care of you and your extended family does not care, you're pretty much screwed. Same if you're a woman experiencing DV, or rape victim.

[@aioncrypto974]

I never thought I’d call kidnappers heroes

[@melanieallen3655]

For a mother not to remember if her daughter cried or screamed after her husband kicked her in the stomach..There is your answer.😢

[@7ov3rr]

the parents obsession w sex, like accusing the 2 little ones of doing things together, accusing the other daughter of sneaking in men, what is that all about?!? absolutely DISGUSTING

[@socal-rw9un]

I was severely abused as a child. I used to pray for God to take because I couldn't take the pain anymore. If nobody could save her I'm so happy she's not hurting anymore. Rest peacefully beautiful sweet girl. You deserved nothing that was done to you.

[@lulasnannajodie7723]

I hope you find moments of peace 🧡

[@jxn1056]

I pray God brings you comfort and peace. Please don't ever forget that you did not deserve what you went through either. God bless you! ❤hugs❤

[@gardenofsn5955]

Woah, same here. I technically became an atheist when I was around 7 or so because I figured the loving god people talked about couldn't possibly exist or I'd have gotten help. I'm also glad Poppy isn't suffering anymore. I wish the best for anyone out there experiencing such harm.

[@lisajada1505]

I begged,pleaded and tried to bargain with god as I couldn’t understand how or why he would allow me to suffer. Im so sorry you also had to endure what no child should ❤

[@jxn1056]

@@lisajada1505 I understand 100% I felt the same way. Happened to me off and on for five years.. When it came out..family blamed me and didn't believe me at the same time. The only person who 100% believed me was my dad. He actually went after the person with an axe, but someone stopped him. He will always be my hero ❤

[@kimgale262]

I am from South Africa. This case broke my heart more than any other.........I think because it was so close to home. Poppies photo has been my screen saver picture on my phone since this happened and will always remain there to ensure that Poppie is NEVER forgotten. Orania is said to be a little town with a whole lot of inbreeding.......it's sort of like a cult. Johan was adopted (not by family) and is said to be leading a happier and safer life. A South African singer wrote a song for Poppie called "Jy is Vry" (Stephan Visagie). RIP Baby girl Jy is Vry

[@DocBree13]

❤

[@Converged_Entity]

Thanks for this information.

[@wolloms]

No Orania is a community of Boers who have come together to protect one another from the farm murders that are ravaging the Boers who make up almost 100% of the people farming the land in SA. This country has one of the most dysfunctional governments in the world that is particularly baised against the Boers. So its no wonder that the abuse of these children was allowed to continue by two deranged and sick Boers since they were killing their own children. The SA Government is actively funding and encourages the slaughter of these people, the Boers. This is a tragedy. South Africa is being destroyed just like Rhodesia was. Orania is not the problem here.

[@wolloms]

The black population of SA literally has to be educated why its bad to rape to the point there are billboards along roads telling them not to you know, their sisters and you wanna accuse Orania of inbreeding? GTFO with that nonsense. They are families have come together for protection. The western world has absolutely no idea what its like in SA, people in the cities with homes have to build walls around them and hire armed private security to defend the place its so dangerous. Its a failed state thats collapse is only slowed down from the support of those evil Europeans they kicked out and of the work of the Boers who they have been committing Genocide on for decades.

[@alecalgard8177]

It sounds like the kids were just really bad and didn’t listen.

[@justamumful]

The woman disguised as a Police officer should get an award as should the lawyers who refused to represent those monsters and the Judge also. RIP Poppy and I pray Johan is cared for and not subjected to more abuse. I hope his care is monitored thoroughly. My heart goes out to Poppys grandmother and sister

[@pamelajordan2890]

I use to be totally against the death penalty. Then I had children.😢

[@sweetcocoa]

The fact that social service and the doctor didn't report the abuse to he police, tells me they didn't give a damn. The neighbor was more concern with what the town would think about him if he reported it to the police . 🤬

[@annesmith8700]

From my own experience if you tell people about abuse they turn on the accuser. Almost everyone does. No one wants to know. I reported a situation at a school and I didn’t have one supporter. Not one parent. It was pathetic. If it was me who heard I’d be wanting to know the circumstances. I hope that people are brave enough to report it if they come across it. I applaud the next door neighbour, he showed bravery. It was the “professionals” who were cowards. Easier to dismiss it because the child can’t stand up for themselves. Much harder to take on the parents and get entangled in legal repercussions and be the target of their anger. Cowardice tends to be the default position for almost everyone I’m afraid.

[@kerrysater157]

Or maybe he couldn't afford to go anywhere else. It was said he'd be kicked out of town. It's so easy to say what you'd do behind a computer screen, living it is different. He did what he could, he is not to blame for the authorities not caring or for what happened to those kids

[@kittytonic87]

​@@annesmith8700because maybe they all abuse their kids thats why.

[@iveliserojas612]

@@annesmith8700I honestly wouldn’t care I would of felt good that I saved someone kids I would of checked who the dad or call someone especially dad and get him involved I would of done anything record all the yelling at the kids I would care about what ppl say

[@iveliserojas612]

@@kerrysater157so good I get kicked I wouldn’t care about anything but those kids

[@kitamarie830]

Those people who lured the "mother" away just to make sure she attended the funeral looking every bit the punching bag as that poor little girl... You're the real MVP.

[@constancebonner9221]

It would be a parent with a stone cold heart to put a dying child in the bed of a truck instead of on their lap trying to revive and comfort the child. RIP Poppy 💔😢

[@user-jz5ye1iu3k]

The 'mother' looks like she is a dim wit anyway, that is no excuse as she was still awarewhat was going on - boy will he get his comeuppance in prison, her too!

[@extraspicytigerroll]

This is horrific. 🥺💔

[@trudyharding4277]

The dr's, the minister, and child welfare person should also be behind bars they failed their authority in saving these children

[@Saintsand_sinners]

Looking at Poppie's photo she was such a beautiful child, she never stood a chance in that environment, may she rest in peace, poor little girl.

[@alecalgard8177]

It sounds like the kids were just really bad and didn’t listen, especially Poppy

[@Saintsand_sinners]

@@alecalgard8177 Sounds like you're crazy actually.

[@alecalgard8177]

@@Saintsand_sinners I mean what were they supposed to do??? They were just trying to do their best dealing with an unruly child.

[@dollcrazy300]

@@alecalgard8177 Can we assume you’re being facetious?

[@luvbeinghiswife1148]

​@@Saintsand_sinnersHe's been posting the exact same comment on several other threads on this video. Ignore, ignore, ignore. He's just looking for attention.

[@alicelaybourne1620]

Just a side note as a teacher and ex-physician. Children can be bruised anywhere (you said "no way to bruise an ear") The abuse map simply notes what areas are common vs. less common, and what type of bruising is likely from falling/accident vs. hands. The scary part for any mandated reporter is being wrong....and being right.

[@shitneyb5562]

No natural way to bruise during play as opposed to knee scrapes

[@shitneyb5562]

And you're right, very scary

[@duckgirI]

@@shitneyb5562not true a kid can hit another kid with a ball, swing, hands etc that’s not abuse that’s play. it’s just a sign of abuse not 100%

[@shitneyb5562]

@@duckgirI yeah you're right, but the point was that it isn't nearly as common as falling on knees.

[@debrarymer]

As a mandated reporter, I have had to call twice. Once it worked. The second call, the child was threatened to be sent to Barbados to live with distant family and she was scared into never talking about her treatment again. American society just isn't adequately addressing the issue of child abuse. It's a disgrace.

[@ritaventer1249]

I’m South African and I remember this awful case. I’ve travelled through Orania. The most bizarre place and I’ve never felt so uncomfortable and creeped out in my life. Rus saggies, Poppie kind. Jy was te goed vir die monsters.

[@lornadecruz259]

I hade the same feeling about Orania when we traveled through there. You get the feelimg like something is going on there. The people that live thre know you are not from Orania and they make you feel creeped out when they stare at you. Also they use their own currancy and not the Rand like the rest of South Africa Weird place

[@ritaventer1249]

@@lornadecruz259 Glad I’m not the only one who felt it. We stopped and had coffee - more out of curiosity than anything else. No, just no! That place is just wrong with that creepy child on their flag and that weird currency. Have you seen how they dress up on 16 December? Gelofte Dag. Voortrekker rokkies and kappies etc. It’s effed up. Makes my skin crawl.

[@ritaventer1249]

@@daniellewillis2767 it was a big scandal at the time because the people in Orania knew that the children were being abused and did nothing about it. From reports I read, Poppie had been severely beaten and raped. She died from severe head injuries and I seem to remember that it was suspected that her head was smashed against the wall. Poor little baby was abused for months and months. The stepfather’s lawyer said at the time that he had done the responsible thing and taken her to the hospital - problem was she’d already been dead for hours. Her vile mother stood by and watched it all and I’m sure she took part in the abuse. They’re where they belong, in prison for life. May they rot in hell.

[@user-hc5sc9hw5p]

My hartjie bloei....

[@lailanimessina1473]

@@ritaventer1249what are u sayn at the end of ur comments lol

[@Antimoronic]

The only way that poor girl gets any justice is for those “people” to get the worst kind of jailhouse justice. Absolutely despicable.

[@alecalgard8177]

It sounds like the kids were just really bad and didn’t listen.

[@NotAVeryBigDill]

​@@alecalgard8177 do you feel better now that you got that out, your little joke about the victims? Do you feel like your little miserable limp dick piece of shit life is better now? 😒 You pathetic little cockstain on this planet.

[@crystalenrriques268]

​@alecalgard8177 stop trolling and leaving ignorant comments to start trouble

[@iveliserojas612]

@@alecalgard8177really it crazy that u saying that about every kid in this world acts up my kids drove me crazy running around jumping on the bed writing on the wall with crayons it what all kids do at that age no reason for any parent to beat up a child because of that , if she hated her dad so much she could of given to poppy’s dad

[@iveliserojas612]

@@crystalenrriques268thank you because every kids act up it kids !! It no reason to have ur husband hurt your child

[@cindysell149]

No matter how many times I hear ca cases I find I’m shocked, appalled & feel helpless that no one seems to have a voice to save any of these innocent children ( sometimes even babies) so I thank you for you both for your bravery in reporting these crimes. How there’s no death penalty for ca cases .. I just don’t understand. RIP POPPY 😢

[@DayzeeZimmz]

Whoever had 'kidnapped' the mother and did some street justice was brilliant. I hope that the other was treated as justly after he got to prison. I really don't understand why so many case workers do not take this stuff seriously. People I wouldn't imagine go around making reports for fun. All failed in this story. Thank-you Drewby and Yergy for sharing yet another child's life experience. Hopefully it will continue to bring awareness to all forms of abuse, whether young or old, and help people realize that maybe we are the only ones who have been witness and it's our duty to make a call. Just may save a child.

[@teresaroby4441]

I think one of the most infuriating things about this case is that there was an actual social worker assigned to this family who observed AND noted in the case file, that a 14 year old CHILD was running the household! This case worker noted that this 14 year old CHILD was doing the cooking, the cleaning & the parenting of her 2 toddler siblings. This should have been a major concern BEFORE finding out the 2 little ones called their sister "mommy"! I will never understand the logic (the 14 year old had a much better temperament than their mother!) that was used to diminish how problematic it is that a child was tasked with parenting her younger siblings. I'm American, are 14 year olds legal adults in South Africa?

[@mixhael6609]

No they're not. 18 is adult age.

[@lenibeni7421]

Well tell that to your governments literally not even putting bounds on child marriages. You may not be a "legal" adult in America nor in africa… but sadly that won’t stop certain families ESPECIALLY since it doesn’t seem to stop certain governments. This is stuff that happens everywhere, and sadly some governments allow for it to happen and for even worse stuff to happen! There are American states where a child can get married… a child as Young as 2 if you want to and the parents give consent! This is truly disturbing and somehow… no one wants to address this being an issue! Child marriages are a terrible fate for children and they are even happening in "modern" western countries like the us. Totally 100% legally allowed by the state.

[@seraphimaventer6357]

No. 14 year olds are not considered adult in this country. I have never seen anything so shocking in my life. I just don't know what else to say.

[@bobert8125]

Why do you keep saying child? She was 14. Fourteen. Four....teen. teen. She was a teenager. Not a child. Closer to being a legal adult than being a child. BTW I know exactly what she went through because I did it for 9 years until I was 14 as well. I'm the oldest of 10 kids tho so pretty much every 12 months I had to look after a new baby while my mum and step dad were cooked on gear. I was making bottles of formula at 4 for my baby sister and it just got worse and didn't stop. Fortunately we were the lucky ones that got away. Many arnt as lucky.

[@squishish]

@@bobert8125Teens are children. Many 18 year olds are still children too, just legally allowed to fuck up and not have their parents get in trouble. I'm sorry that happened to you and your siblings.

[@gloriaross4265]

Because I am studying the human anatomy, hearing the autopsy findings the images that come to my mind are so hurtful, I will never understand how someone can hurt a child like this…RIP 🙏🏽❤️💐 👼

[@nessarolla]

Imagine being a pastor and telling someone who trusts you to ignore the abuse your grandchildren are going through becuase you shoudln't interfee in your daughters marriage???? What sense does that make?! The moment abuse is known, especially against children, it is the dutty of all good people to call it out and call the police. Everyone failed these poor kids and it's so infurating.

[@danacarter3403]

WTF was wrong with the damn doctor??!! He didn't report anything bc Poppi couldn't say WHO was abisong her?!! These cases almost always could've been prevented if just ONE MANDATED REPORTER WOULDVE DONE THEIR JOB!!! I am still surprised by how many adults go into social work and refuse to do anything for these kids.

[@pattiwoodin859]

I was abused by my Stepmom when I was younger. She made my life a living hell. But God watched out for me! I never really got over the abuse she gave to me!

[@LibbySlaughter101]

So sorry to hear that. I hope your life is better now. GBY from Australia ❤

[@Augustus-is3jf]

CA? DV? SA? The abbreviations are so out of hand and stupid. I wish youtube didn't demonetize such frivolous things, the crimes committed on these victims should not be abbreviated or watered down.

[@conniemorgan8402]

I know.. it’s like the words are worse than the abuse.. this only protects the abusers.. I don’t need to be protected from these words.. if that innocent child can go thru these horrors, the very least we can do is hear about them..

[@LibbySlaughter101]

I agree. First time I heard this I thought the narrator was saying essay! It took a while before the penny dropped. Why aren't people allowed to use the correct terms? Sheer insanity trying to sugar coat serious crimes!

[@rtru9801]

@@LibbySlaughter101 Some people do on their videos, others are scared too, or are trying not to offend idiots

[@lesapurkey5966]

I did too. Essay! Didn't make sense! ​@@LibbySlaughter101

[@lauraoneill3099]

I still don't know what DV means.

[@dymona3734]

I don’t understand how a mother could beat,starve and emotionally abuse their child. Aren’t they meant to protect and safe guard their little body and beautiful mind? I guess we can’t all have a good heart and sane mind. Rest in beautiful peace sweet angel.

[@janerecluse4344]

I just don't get it, because pregnancy is so much trouble. Babies take so long and cost so much, even if you're utterly vile, they should be cherished.

[@1WillowMoon]

Poor little girl. Just awful. I have no words, just hope the angels are holding her extra tight. God bless poppy, and god strength to her brother ❤

[@Roukan0]

I always wonder why your god does nothing.

[@kateparent366]

Willow, if I was Marlese, I would have taken the youngest 2 with me. She practically was the one raising and taking care of them.

[@moirakizito4828]

​@@Roukan0another waka

[@BlondeAgent]

​@@Roukan0 Free will. Our own choices are what cause bad things to happen. We think we know it all. God no longer helps out like he used to, that's because we want to live our way and don't want to live God's way and unfortunately there are consequences for our choices...

[@Lena-so2lq]

​@Roukan0 children are considered innocents, at least we can assume the little girl is in a better place than this. This is Hell if ever there was one.

[@angelahimmelreich7104]

What Kind of a mother will let that happen?Disgusting

[@miriam100ful]

the mother does not deserve that name, she was merely an egg donor, evil woman. So many opportunities missed to help those children, even the parish priest did not help.

[@jxn1056]

she was a surrogate and nothing else

[@Cienfuego1989]

What a bad mother 😭😭😭😭😭

[@alecalgard8177]

It sounds like the kids were just really bad and didn’t listen at all.

[@angelahimmelreich7104]

@@alecalgard8177 you just want provocation dont you?pathetic

[@redxx3619]

Shout out to the judge for righfully calling out all the individuals who failed that little girl!

[@largent45]

What a horribly sad case. I can't quit crying for the life of that beautiful little girl, that was brutalized so senselessly and murdered! So young and helpless, it's so sad! Thank you for bringing these cases to light. We need to learn to protect the children!

[@conniemorgan8402]

I know each situation is different, but if I saw such things on my grandchildren, or any child,THEY would be scrambling to call 911.. not me.

[@iseultbourke4692]

Considering she allowed her own daughter to be abused in her turn, I suppose she was not the best person for Poppy to have to rely on for help......

[@alecalgard8177]

It sounds like the kids were just really bad and didn’t listen.

[@judejoseph1493]

Why would you let a man come in and abuse your child,😢

[@softshallow7435]

she did it too.

[@alecalgard8177]

It sounds like the kids were just really bad and didn’t listen.

[@judejoseph1493]

@@alecalgard8177 so according to you they deserved this abuse 🙄

[@ginab2970]

​@@alecalgard8177sicko much?

[@420YOLOSWAG4JESUS]

@@alecalgard8177 bro you can't discipline children by throwing them at walls and killing them. That shits called child abuse, did you even watch the video?

[@DianeLake-sw3ym]

What horrible parents. What those two children went through was terrifying. Poor little Poppy must have just felt so much fear and pain. As well as her brother. Thankfully he survived. 1hat doctor is a hero for not believing those two and ending up saving the little guy at least

[@rose-mariewarburton6228]

I’m Afrikaans and can testify at the strict upbringing. Got a hiding/beaten almost daily by my mother. I was a quite good little girls so can’t tell you why. My mother’s favourite weapon was a thick electrical chord. At school girls were hit on their hands, it was brutal and would be done for any reason these narcissistic teachers could find. You weren’t safe from violence anywhere. My eldest sibling then started beating my much younger brother and I, thus life was hell. I always wondered how life was in other peoples homes. I have very few happy memories really. I want to stress that not all Afrikaans people are like this. But there are many that are good Christian people, and the religion and church shouldn’t be blamed for abuse in the household. I live in the UK for 25 years now as all of South Africa is rotten and violent and it’s not a safe place to live.

[@diy5729]

Religion is used as tool to do evil things, for evil people to hide behind.

[@laurablassberg8559]

This is a horrific case. Vile and disgusting behavior from these two monsters.😢

[@alecalgard8177]

It sounds like the kids were just really bad and didn’t listen.

[@mpacino1224]

@@alecalgard8177 please turn yourself in.

[@laurablassberg8559]

@@alecalgard8177 are you victim blaming?

[@eggbun1856]

​@@laurablassberg8559don't even bother feeding the troll. this person is commenting the same thing in most comment threads on this video. it's either a 12 year old going thru their "edgy" phase or an adult with no job or relationships and a supremely unfulfilling life.

[@laurablassberg8559]

@@eggbun1856 💯

[@gailknight3128]

I just don't understand how these so called professional people keep messing up these poor children's cases! It seems that a whole new way of handling these type of cases needs to be brought about, before more poor innocent children are abused and k*lled. Thank you, I hope you both have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

[@sharonneethling2243]

I am from South Africa. I lived in Empangeni. Very far from Brits. I have never heard of this. I am so angry and disgusted that I pray they both rot in jail and make no mistake, they will answer to God for their actions. RIP little Poppie. You are in heaven now❤🌹

[@GenXfrom75]

My youngest surprise son was born August 5, 2013... And he's an amazing 10 year old gift today .... what a heartbreaking story 😢

[@shitneyb5562]

My sweet baby was Aug 5 also, best day ever 🥰 cutest little pumpkin you ever did see 😍 he's a couple years older and thinks I'm embarrassing, imagine that. Cute little baby thinks he's a teenager 🙄

[@mariadepaz479]

One of the most disgusting cases I've heard. I cried the whole time. They are EVIL. 😢

[@joshuasimber8588]

You're not alone

[@thereseblair6294]

What the hell does it take to protect children!???

[@biancawhite333]

This is just so gut wrechingly horrendous. That poor beautiful baby Doll. May she rest in peaceful slumber for as long as her soul needs rest.

[@AquaMarina.]

How dare the neighbours to have watched that and not done anything about it?

[@aprilcanipe2614]

A step parent can either make or break a child.

[@alecalgard8177]

It sounds like the kids were just really bad and didn’t listen, especially Poppy. Just a rotten kid. Period.

[@ellenpetermen3195]

@@alecalgard8177..WHAT? She was three years old. You are freaking out of your mind. She didn’t deserve this kind of brutality. No child deserves to be covered in bruises. You have some severe mental health issues and I hope that you don’t have children

[@laetitialogan2017]

​@@alecalgard8177what?????

[@marymartin2154]

Don't feed the troll. They've been replying the same disgusting comments on multiple threads. I just reported them.

[@mnnickol]

Thank you for bringing light to these dark situations. Hopefully we can come together as adults and protect the children!

[@alecalgard8177]

It sounds like the kids were just really bad and didn’t listen., especially Poppy

[@sharlenecochrane3689]

Poppy was only 3. I doubt she was naughtier than most normal 3 year old children. The beatings were not justified.

[@Cloudz_the_therian]

​@@alecalgard8177 go get a job, you sad excuse of a human

[@TheDutchessOfCornville]

I don’t understand how the neighbors could hear those screams and not go over there and get those babies to safety. They knew what was happening! Yes, the man did go to social workers, but at the end of the day, when you hear a 3 year old being violently beaten, go HANDLE THE BASTARD WHO IS DOING IT! I talk a good game, but there’s no way I couldn’t at least TRY to help those kids. They should’ve gotten a few community members to “handle him”…. Poor little ones. I hope Poppy is at peace and her siblings are safe and healthy

[@ckevorkianxo]

That’s easy to say in a comment, but they even said the systems in place there are not how some are in places such as the US or England. They literally shamed him for trying to get police involved. The mom, too. I agree though, a group of people stand a better chance than a tiny sweet baby girl

[@barbaracarmichiel7369]

I will never understand how these monsters can get away with the things they do until someone innocent child is dead. These poor children had two monsters. No one made a true attempt to save them. If you see something, say something isn't enough anymore. Scream it from the rooftops if you have too. Don't just call and figure you tried. Act until there is action. If I heard a child being thrown into a wall and screaming... Believe me, my screams would be louder. Every child deserves a parent but not every parent deserves a child. Thank you for giving Poppy a voice even in death. May she RIP. Love your KZbin channel. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@annieannie2887]

I remember this little girl so well. The case was huge in south Africa and people were absolutely outraged.

[@nbuck617]

In any of these cases are all of the adults such as cps, police etc ever held accountable for doing nothing to help!!!🤬

[@lil_distress]

My finances stepmom is South African, she’s the most thoughtful, considerate, & compassionate woman I’ve ever met. They have like the best family dynamics and to see evil people like this portray such an ugly picture is so sad.

[@Michelle-zi2vh]

I feel so, so sorry for the little girl. I hope that at least now she is at peace. I'm not religious, but hell, I hope that the little one is at a better place now. And I also feel sorry for her older sister. I can't even begin to imagine what pain she goes through. I, too, wish that SHE had been the little girls mom.

[@BrieAnnaMarie]

There really needs to be more done to protect the children! This is just so heartbreaking, thank you for bringing this story to light. You two are absolutely amazing, bless you both. 🙏🏼

[@alecalgard8177]

It sounds like the kids were just really bad and didn’t listen, especially Poppy

[@BrieAnnaMarie]

@@alecalgard8177 please tell me you're not being serious?!!

[@mattdodd8925]

Also regarding the truck, bruising can't happen post mortem, there's no blood circulating

[@Lucy-ym8ch]

There's a kind of mottling called lividity that happens post mortem as blood settles. This can look like bruising but it's not.

[@filthism1659]

How did the babysitter and the neighbor not call the damn cops from the screams and bangs and stuff what the hell is wrong with people

[@kathy7613]

A lot of people have had ruff childhoods.and don't tourcher .. abuse or murder our children.Thats B..S😡😡

[@Bill87762]

My heart breaks for these children!

[@hollylewis8884]

I’ve watched so many videos from The Misery Machine and countless others but NONE NOT ONE has enraged me more than this one has. Not just anger but I cried the entire episode. I will never forget this episode nor will I ever forget Poppy. That poor baby suffered so much trauma in her short life. God help heal all who abuse or neglect children. Please heal them so this stops

[@xsgaming1670]

I live in South Africa and I am white but won’t live in Orania it’s not for me though. Those people remind me of a sect. But South Africa today has a very low infrastructure and political affairs are embarrassing but westonaria is where scrap people live. I would never live there either. It does not shock me that westonaria people abuse kids. We don’t even hear of these things on the news. Thank you for covering this . 😢❤guys if ever going to South Africa, please go to Western Cape or Cape Town or Sandton in Gauteng very pretty. Be careful of johburg cbd.

[@mandyleesavage280]

How can anyone hurt a child. It breaks my heart as a mother

[@joshuasimber8588]

It breaks all of our hearts as people

[@NikkiNoo86]

Bodies don’t bleed or bruise once the heart stops beating

[@yx6889]

Those poor babies! What crappy parents! I wish people like that would NOT have children!

[@alecalgard8177]

It sounds like the kids were just really bad and didn’t listen, especially Poppy. Just all around a bad kid. Period.

[@Melissa_Renee88]

That poor baby. I will never understand how anybody can do harmful things to any child. Kudos to that lady that posed as an officer 👏🏼👏🏼

[@elliesaailem777]

I'm from cape Town in South Africa and let me tell you, it's not easy laying charges... Even now in this day and age of everything being done online. I'm currently going through it now...

[@marilynhodgkinson5299]

Totally absolutely revolting and horrendous, thank God those monsters can rot in jail. Poor little Poppy. RIP. 💔

[@wilmacronje1237]

This was so,so sad I'm from South Africa,and people staying in Orania....I better not say it aloud Funny thing is,in court he had a ANC shirt on? Rest in peace little blue eye Angel.

[@suzannegaglie6146]

I hope that her brother is safely in the custody of his grandmother. I’m afraid that He will never get over the violence that he endured, even with lots of love and professional help.

[@Cosmic_Kitten2]

When people scoff at the notion of demonic possession, it’s stories like this (and there are FAR MANY more than people realize) that affirm that it’s indeed real. Nothing else can explain the evil of abusing a child-even to death-than demonic possession…and it’s rampant the world over.

[@tromedl]

Played dead? Pretended? What is wrong these people??

[@MandieKearns-Moore]

In fact the bruises could not have been from bouncing around in the back of the truck because she was already dead rigor mortis has said incorrect you can't bruise once you are dead

[@JenniferG-sl4fi]

I don't want to comment my feelings but obviously this was beyond tragic. What I would like to acknowledge is the Judge in this case. I've never heard of anyone, let alone a judge, step up and say "hey, these parents are guilty, but there are other people in this case just as guilty and deserve a punishment for their participation!" I've never heard of that and I have to say he is absolutely right. I know you two feel that way when you cover these cases, I know I feel that way, but to hear the actual judge acknowledge this fact was like wow. Finally. Good man. It's was a shame nothing was done about it and that's insane in itself but anyways, thank you for all your hard work and oh one more thing...as if it's not devastating already, when I hear the pain in your heart's as you cover these cases.....it makes it so much more terrible. I mean I don't know how to say anything correctly because man I just can't find any words to describe anything right now so I can only imagine what this job puts you two through and I just I guess I just wish I could give you a hug. You're good people, brave and appreciated for the awareness you bring out of darkness into the light. Ok thank you bye

[@kitthecat6543]

If you see a child being abused, record it while it's happening, get evidence and go to child services! Stop witnessing multiple abuse occasions before trying to help!

[@itsbrittanybtch]

How you two don't break and cry while talking about these, you are so strong. I've seen you both come close, but have always kept your composure. How much do you cry while researching this stuff? You guys always do kids cases, which are the hardest, so I can only imagine how hard it is. Thank you for sharing their stories though, truly. They need to be heard. Hopefully one day, the system will get better at protecting kids.

[@Chewtubehuskyhouse]

A collab with Bella Monsoon would be amazing! She’s a South African True Crime KZbinr with professional psych background. She has incredibly informative, in-depth videos about South African culture in the context of true crime.

[@waynepolo6193]

Thanks for suggesting this. Had never heard of her or her channel before.

[@aleshapetrunak2974]

Like many others, thank you for the love and dedication you put into every episode. Have a very Happy Holiday and stay safe! 🎄

[@stacygrieshaber4687]

This broke my heart and I couldn’t finish the segment. I went through something similar to this and it just kills me. Break the cycle

[@SandraPokorneyCmonDude]

Love, light and healing to all who have suffered at the hands of a monster. You are all Warriors now. To those lost to the monsters.....Please protect and watch over those who may be suffering right now.

[@sunshine9993]

My husband is South African. He shares with me the African Dutch culture and how abusive it is. He tells me at school will get bit up by teachers all the time. Anyone can hit a child with the escuse of education. Corporal punishment and abuse is very common.

[@annettezaleski]

Same with religion

[@ritaventer1249]

That’s not the case anymore. It used to be like that before 1994. Nobody is allowed to inflict corporal punishment on children. Section 28 of the bill of rights protects children from what you are describing

[@iseultbourke4692]

And this is the fabulous culture that those in Orania are so keen to preserve?

[@sunshine9993]

@@ritaventer1249 im so happy to hear that!

[@suanpriscillamuller2152]

Not true really

[@KIKI_LOVES_KIMCHI]

Please cover baby Totu. She is living the most severe case of child abuse I’ve ever seen before, at this very moment she is being rented out to different groups of men who nearly kill her and return her. She is hid away for a while and then returns head shaved looking half dead. Nobody has been able to protect her, when one women tried she started getting death threats from across the world from the orphanage she has put on blast for renting out baby Totu, she is 3 or 4 now and has always been covered in bruises especially her face. Her hips have been broken and have healed, her arm is currently broken, they show off her injuries on tiktok to show everyone they can’t be touched because they have family within the government, she is dressed like an infant to keep the clients attention. She is still in diapers and starting to look like a severely beaten walking corpse. It’s terrible. Nobody can save this child

[@lisaburpo4891]

😢

[@bobert8125]

What the fuck

[@chichi775]

what???? I have never heard of this! Where is this happening??

[@KIKI_LOVES_KIMCHI]

@@chichi775 baku azerbaijan, Konul Kasimova runs the shelter

[@KIKI_LOVES_KIMCHI]

@@chichi775 it’s alleged she was rescued by her bio mom, however it is just a coverup to get the world off of Konuls back. Her shelter was shutdown maybe a year ago and all children (except for Totu) were removed, after there was evidence of long term and severe child abuse. Totu has never left. She just had her 3rd birthday last week, the child has been through more than any of us will go through in a lifetime in 3 short years and it’s just the beginning

[@lenaberro5039]

Bravo, my hats off to the judge finally justice

[@edeeart9443]

I appreciate your empathy wile telling these baby’s stories, sometimes I too just break down and cry my eyes out wile hearing these stories. I love you guys. I wish nothing but the best for you both, you truly are amazing warm hearted people. Thank you for the time, effort and warmth you provide wile telling these horror stories. ❤❤❤

[@annetakubiak3374]

They had hard time to find a lawyer to defend those monsters 👏

[@its_mandyy03]

Great episode as always ❤ Interesting to hear the description and pronunciation of Afrikaans words etc. I live in a more rural area in the NC and Orania is about a 5 hour drive away . Commotion around the town died down over the years and it's basically being mostly ignored/not talked about at this point . As I'm still pretty young I don't know much but from what I've heard in school/ from elders is that even though it's a 'white-only' community, anyone can visit , but you have to identify as Afrikaner to settle in addition to other requirements at least in the past . They're apparently mostly self sufficient and have their own 'currency' . Fun fact the town was founded in 1990 so it hasn't even been around that long . With all that said, even though the country is facing an epidemic of violence, especially toward women and children, news from Orania rarely, if ever, make it to main stream news/media.

[@its_mandyy03]

*Keep in mind that this is just my personal knowledge surrounding the topic .

[@yvie914]

I've never been so angry, heartbroken, disgusted and shocked all at once in my life. There were so many chances to save these children from the outrageous and ruthless violence they went through but no one had the inclination to do more than 1%. Each and everyone connected to this tragedy will have lessons to learn and/or revelations about themselves that I can only hope will be redeemable qualities

[@vtmom53]

You guys rock. I really enjoy how you both deliver the stories you cover. Thank you.

[@rondapadgett3377]

Thank you for all of the hard work you put into your videos! Your compassion and empathy shine through on every one. I hope you enjoy your holiday season!! ❄️🎁🎉

[@karreykaye-dominick3524]

I agree. Their video reporting shows how caring they are. They show the victims the love & tenderness they never got in life, in the reporting. Gotta love the Misery Machine & all you do for the victims.

[@pleasantlyblue7425]

They had so much proof that obviously there was something amiss. Why oh why was it not reported?! I don't want to hear it anymore! Bye!

[@honeybunch5765]

I remember this story. It was a big story in South Africa. Just appalling!

[@varna1570]

Jesus I can't believe that father with his known and ongoing domestic violence reports gets custody of poppy's brother.

[@lifesyphon1]

That ear bruise information is something I knew nothing about but is really interesting and valuable information. I have three kids and they play like feral animals sometimes! But never once have they ever had an ear bruise or injury.

[@annabelli67]

My God...how much longer can the world go on with this pain being put on the most innocent?

[@ravencroftgraphics3d]

so these neighbors and day care workers and the medical staff who never called the police to save the kids... special place in hell. lives are more important than being shamed by town officials.

[@sarahpayne2361]

They all have blood on their hands, disgraceful

[@kimwalsh]

Bruises have stages of color, so hospital would know approximately when each one occurred. If the angel got them on the way to hospital, they would be reddish, 1-2 days bluish-purple, even black, after 5-10 days green or yellow, after 10-14 days yellow-brown, light brown. I bruise very easy, and over 58yrs I have had too many to count.~~

[@Annette1965]

Some people shouldn’t have children, I won’t even call them parents as a true parent would never harm their children. R.I.P. Poppy 😢

[@karenschmoyer2387]

Dropped few min ago... here I am among those who thank you both for your dedication to share these children's lives (Not just their deaths) May you both have a blessed Christmas with your furry babies 😊 ❤️ New feral cat mom here🐈, wow what a ride this feline parenting is!

[@TheMiseryMachine]

Thank you Karen, Merry Christmas! Also thank you for deciding to take on a feral kitty! It can be a lot at first, but it's so worth it in the end!

[@sandidavis820]

​@@TheMiseryMachine Among our other furbabies, we have 1 that we were feeding whenever she stopped by, one day she just "Invited" herself inside and has never wanted to leave.

[@lisabishop6266]

I have/had 3 ferals so far. Sadly Charlie passed 2 yrs ago on the 23rd because of COVID putting everyone in lock down and NO vet within 90 miles would see him. I have his " brother" and he now has a new brother my daughter found a yr ago. And she now has 3 feral cats of her own lol. It's a ride for sure, but mostly a good one. I just wonder what they think when they look out the windows. Do they miss the " old" days, or are they happy ? I know they love me, they are very affectionate now, but..