Teen Rape Victim: Misleading Reports placing minor at risk

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) would like to correct misleading reports published in the Cape Times regarding government’s response after the alleged rape of a 13 year old minor.

It has been reported that the victim never received any assistance or counselling from either the South African Police Services (SAPS) or the DSD.

These claims are false. According to the SAPS, the case of rape was reported last week Wednesday (16-11-2016), and the victim was immediately taken to a Thuthuzela Centre for medical treatment, and initial trauma counselling.

Meanwhile the SAPS were conducting their investigation, and were able to make arrests of seven suspects.

DSD social workers did not receive notification of the incident from SAPS as required by legislation, but made their own enquiries to locate the child and further counselling was provided on Monday this week. Ongoing therapeutic services will be provided, and counselling of the victim will continue throughout the criminal trial.

Following an assessment in terms of the Children’s Act of 2005, our social workers transferred the child to a place of safety. Further security measures have since been put in place around the child, who is currently in safe care.

The Department will continue to act in the best interests of the child, as mandated by the Children’s Act. We continue to caution against any attempt to publish misleading facts information this matter, as it places undue risk on the victim.