Stolen Worcester baby found: Department congratulates police on swift action
The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) congratulates the South African Police Services (SAPS) on the sterling work done in tracing and finding the baby boy who was allegedly abducted from Worcester Hospital.
The SAPS demonstrated a level of excellence which honours the intentions of South Africa’s progressive child protection legislation, principally the Children’s Act of 2005.
SAPS made two arrests in connection with the abduction, and the suspects (aged 17 and 49) will appear in the Worcester Magistrates Court tomorrow on charges of abduction. DSD is working with the SAPS in the ongoing investigation of this matter, especially as one of the suspects in under the age of 18, and is still subject to the Child Justice Act of 2008.
The baby boy has been returned into the care of the hospital, and once officially discharged; social workers from our Cape Winelands regional office will render family assistance services and counselling support to the family of the baby.
Enquiries:
MEC Albert Fritz
Cell: 083 307 0192
Sihle Ngobese
Spokesperson for Albert Fritz, MEC of Social Development
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 076 083 6543
Email: Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za
