Gumtree paedophile: Department seeking assistance
The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) formally requested the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (CoJCD) and the courts, to place the convicted “Gumtree” paedophile on the National Child Abuse Register.
The register is administered by the CoJCD.
The process would require a new application to be brought to court against the convicted paedophile, as he was prosecuted and found guilty in accordance with the previous Children’s Act. The criminal nature of his sexual offence qualifies him to be placed on the register.
DSD social workers based within the Child Protection Programme have approached the courts and are busy engaging our criminal justice partners on the matter.
Most importantly, the department is offering counselling to any children and parents who may have been exposed to the paedophile. Regardless of whether he tried anything, children and parents now finding out about the nature of his criminal sexual offences, may be traumatised by virtue of what “could have happened”.
The public can contact the department by visiting any local or regional DSD office closest to them, or by contacting the DSD hotline on 0800 220 250.
Enquiries:
MEC Albert Fritz
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
