HUMANSDORP — Two suspects appeared in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court on 1 June after a 7-year-old girl, already fighting for her life in hospital, was found to have been raped by people close to her.
The matter has been remanded to 8 June for a formal bail application.
As previously reported, police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said that on 14 January, a 7-year-old girl was admitted to a hospital in Gqeberha, where she was diagnosed with a severe medical condition and was critically ill.
Gantana further said that during her medical treatment, doctors made a distressing discovery that the child was also a victim of sexual abuse.
“Following a meticulous investigation and the child’s remarkable recovery, she was able to disclose the abuse. It was revealed that the alleged perpetrators are close to the victim,” said Gantana.
The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Humansdorp acted swiftly, leading to the arrest of a man and a woman.
“Both face charges of rape, with the possibility of further charges being added in due course,” said Gantana.
She further said that the suspects’ names will not be released at this stage in line with SAPS policy and the Criminal Procedure Act.
“Releasing the suspects’ names would indirectly identify the 7-year-old victim, which is prohibited under the Sexual Offences Act and the Child Justice Act. This measure also prevents secondary trauma, ensures a fair trial, and protects the ongoing investigation,” said Gantana.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, expressed sadness at the incident.
“This is heartbreaking. A child fighting a critical condition was betrayed by the very people meant to protect her. 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,” said Ncata.
The SAPS appeals to anyone with additional information regarding this case or other instances of child abuse to come forward.
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