[Note to Editors – We had mistakenly listed the child’s age as 4 years old, she is actually 3 years old. The older brother has been confirmed to be 18 years old.]
The Department of Social Development (DSD) has taken action by temporarily placing the 3 year old girl and her 13 year old sister in safe care with family friends.
The department prioritizes the safety and well-being of the children as empowered by the Children’s Act no. 38 of 2005. Our investigation and assessment of the situation continues, and we have gotten one of our NGO partners, the Cape Town Child Welfare, to assist us.
Part of our investigation will include approaching the South African Police Service (SAPS) to lay criminal charges of child abuse and the contravention of the Children’s Act. In addition, the department will work with the SAPS to locate the teenager, with the view of rendering the necessary youth-at-risk remedial interventions.
Minister Albert Fritz
083 307 0192
Sihle Ngobese
Spokesperson for Albert Fritz, Minister of Social Development
Western Cape Government
7th floor, 14 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town, 8000
Tel : (021) 483 9217
Cell : 083 280 9199
Email : Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za