The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) yesterday (27 July 2015) made contact with the family of the 7-year-old Mitchells Plain girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted by boys in her area.
Most importantly, this case had already been reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS), and our non-govermental organosation (NGO) partner, Childline, had already begun the process of rendering support and services to the victim. In accordance with the Children’s Act of 2005, an initial assessment was conducted by social workers last week and follow-ups are scheduled for the end of this month. The 7-year-old girl is also undergoing medical treatment.
As part of our support measures, DSD social workers have offered to render additional counselling services to the mother of the 7-year-old girl.
The department, guided by the Child Justice Act of 2008, has acted on the three accused minors, and processes are currently underway to render required interventions.
It is encouraging that our call for parents to come forward and report such cases of child abuse/neglect has been heeded, as another parent has come forward with a case which we will investigate.
We continue to urge parents to report such cases, and any cases of alleged abuse and/or neglect of children directly to the department. This can be done by either approaching any of our regional or local offices, or contacting the DSD hotline on 0800 220 250.
We can all play our part to protect and empower children in the province if we continue to work, ‘Better Together’.
Enquiries:
Minister Albert Fritz
Cell: 083 307 0192
Sihle Ngobese
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 083 280 9199
Email: Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za
