HUMANSDORP – Eastern Cape police have confirmed the arrest of two suspects following an investigation by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Humansdorp.

The arrests follows a discovery by medical personnel in January this year.

According to police, a seven-year-old girl was admitted to the Paediatric Oncology Ward at a provincial hospital in Gqeberha on 14 January. She was diagnosed with a severe medical condition and was critically ill.

During her medical treatment, doctors discovered the child was also a victim of sexual abuse. A meticulous police investigation ensued.

Swift arrests

Following the child’s recovery, she was able to disclose the abuse and it was revealed that the alleged perpetrators are close to the victim.

The Humansdorp FCS Unit acted swiftly, leading to the arrests of a 39-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman.

Both suspects face charges of rape. They are scheduled to make their first appearance in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday 1 June.

Lieutenant-General Vuyisile Ncata, provincial police commissioner in the Eastern Cape, expressed sadness at the incident. “This is heartbreaking. A child fighting a critical condition was betrayed by the very people meant to protect her,” Ncata said.

“I commend the medical team and our FCS Unit for their swift action. We will pursue every perpetrator of crimes against women and children until justice is served.”

The police issued an appealed to anyone with additional information regarding the case or other instances of child abuse to come forward.