The tragic murder of young Ruthless-Empire has instigated the family members of another slain child, Malachi Subecz, into voicing their concerns over the failing systems of Oranga Tamariki.
Ruthless-Empire Souljah Reign Rhind Shephard Wall, otherwise known by his māramatanga (enlightenment) name Nga Reo, was brought to Hutt Hospital in an unresponsive state on October 22, having endured severe injuries approximately 12 hours prior. Despite efforts, doctors could not save the ailing tot.
The Herald recently brought to light facts suggesting the child’s uncle, Ngatanahira Reremoana, had reached out to Oranga Tamariki out of worry for Ruthless-Empire on December 26 of the previous year, pleading for the child’s removal from a potentially harmful environment.
This chilling incident follows closely after the 2021 death of another boy, five-year-old Tauranga resident Malachi Subecz, who was brutally murdered by his caregiver. After an exhaustive investigation by the Chief Ombudsman into this appalling act – one that unveiled repeated instances of abuse inflicted by the caretaker Michaela Barriball – it was concluded that Oranga Tamariki had failed to provide even the most basic security measures, despite concerns about Subecz’s safety.
Peter Boshier, upon reporting these findings, noted that Oranga Tamariki’s primary legislation and policies emphasize child welfare, putting it at the heart of any decision-making that concerns the child. Yet, despite concerns voiced by Malachi’s extended family about his caregiver’s cruel treatment, Boshier stated that Oranga Tamariki’s response was nothing short of a plethora of failures.
Megan, Malachi’s cousin and the first to raise concerns about the boy’s welfare to Oranga Tamariki in June 2021, expressed her heartbreak over hearing of Ruthless-Empire’s death. Criticizing the broken and inefficient OT system, she expressed frustration over ignored reports and unanswered recommendations in the wake of Malachi’s tragic death.
Two years have passed since Malachi’s demise, each day of which his family spent pushing for change, advocating for the safety of others and wading through the trauma brought on by repeated failings of the Oranga Tamariki system – all in vain.
Malachi’s grieving uncle offered his support to Ruthless-Empire’s family, emphasizing that the blame fell squarely on the offending parties and Oranga Tamariki. He also stressed the urgency for an immediate and meaningful overhaul of the Oranga Tamariki system.
Meanwhile, Reremoana expressed his belief that Oranga Tamariki badly let down baby Ruthless-Empire by not acting on the family’s concerns and not intervening in time, thus shirking their responsibility.
Chappie Te Kani, the CEO of Oranga Tamariki, admitted the burden of Ruthless-Empire’s untimely death on his conscience. He further confirmed the toddler’s absence from Oranga Tamariki’s custody or care at the time of the incident. They are collaborating with partner agencies to ascertain whether or not Baby Ru and his family were receiving any support at the time of his death, and if interventions could have been implemented. The organization is currently assisting the police with their investigation.
