A tug-of-war between the parents of a child star with a promising career has spun out of control.

Lethabo Gumede, 14, led a busy childhood. By the time he was 12 he had already starred in 26 commercials, six of which were for the international market. The teen also starred in television productions such as The Wild, in which he played Nathi, the son of Itumeleng Tladi, and on SABC1's My Perfect Family.

He shared the set with veterans such as Baby Cele, Lillian Dube and John Lata.

In 2012 the Alberton High School pupil commuted between Cape Town and Johannesburg, where he was cast in the UK-based series Mad Dogs 3 that was shot in Cape Town.

His parents, Futhi Gumede and George Maila, who never married, are now at each other's throats in an ugly custody battle that has landed Lethabo in a psychiatric ward for evaluation. This was to treat his erratic behaviour, allegedly caused by his warring parents.

"I wanted him to get help because I did not understand him any more," said the mother.

Lethabo was raised by his mother. His father was not part of his upbringing, according to Gumede.

"He was not supportive since the child was born. Now that he sees him on television he wants to be part of his life," she said.

She admitted that her son started asking about his father two years ago and that took a toll on her, and she thought she was losing her mind.

"I was diagnosed with severe depression twice. I checked myself into Akeso psychiatric hospital and spent 21 days because I thought I was losing my mind," she said.

Lethabo missed school from the second week of February and has never returned. He was later admitted to the Rand Clinic.

"After he was discharged from hospital he dumped me and moved in with his father. His father poisoned him and told him bad things about me."

However, Maila dismissed Gumede's claims. "Lethabo is no longer a child actor and it was not my decision [that he stays with me] because he just started staying with me.

"I know what happened and I don't want to involve the media.

"It was an internal matter that was discussed with the family. I don't know why she runs to the media.

"There was a decision taken by the social workers that my son was far better off staying with me. I have the report and that is how I managed to get hold of him.

"As the biological father I don't need legal custody. Based on the consultation, the child chose to come and stay with me.

"She was about to abandon the child with the social workers. That you can confirm with the social worker. When he is over 12 he has the right to stay with the parent he chooses.

"You don't have to apply for custody, and that is a fact."

mahlanguba@sowetan.co.za