The mother o a 14-year-old girl says the system failed her
A Heideveld mother says repeated pleas for help for her 14-year-old daughter have not resulted in adequate protection, while police and the Western Cape Department of Social Development defend their response.
The mother, whose identity is being withheld to protect her child, said her daughter was allegedly struggling with substance abuse and had not attended school since April.
“Are SAPS and the Department of Social Development waiting to get a call to say that my child has been found murdered somewhere in a ditch?” she asked.
The teenager was recently located with the assistance of Gugulethu police at a residence linked to a 34-year-old adult, according to information provided to the Cape Argus.
She was referred to Child Welfare Cape Town amid concerns about her safety and alleged use of substances, including codeine. Her family alleges that she was later returned to her mother’s care without sufficient support.
Mother says repeated pleas failed to protect daughter
The mother also alleged that Manenberg police refused to open a case because her daughter had allegedly consented.
Captain Ian Bennett, the Manenberg SAPS spokesperson, disputed this.
“We cannot refuse a case. The law does not make provision, no matter how mature we think the child is or he or she thinks they are,” he said.
Bennett said police had been engaging with the teenager and her family daily. He confirmed that criminal cases had been investigated by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, but said the teenager had run away again during the investigation.
He said an appointment had been arranged at the Thuthuzela Care Centre, with victim-support personnel involved.
Police dispute allegation that case was refused
Nicholas Gotsell said an alleged refusal to register a rape complaint involving a 14-year-old was unacceptable.
“I am appalled that SAPS Manenberg allegedly refused to register a rape complaint … on the grounds that she is sexually active,” he said, adding that he would raise the matter with the station commander.
Siya Monakali said the girl’s reported absence from school raised concerns about whether her educational and psychosocial needs were being addressed.
“A child’s alleged consent should not, in itself, bring concerns about possible exploitation or abuse to an end,” Monakali said.
Zona Morton, of the Crime and Justice Forum, said after-hours social workers had arranged temporary care, but alleged that the teenager was returned to the same vulnerable situation after four days.
Social development says support was provided
The Western Cape Department of Social Development said it had provided oversight and support, including after-hours assistance.
MEC Wendy Kaizer-Philander said Child Welfare Cape Town had undertaken child-protection interventions.
“I remain committed to examining the circumstances of this matter,” she said.
The department said it could not disclose further details that might compromise the child’s privacy, safety or wellbeing.