{"id":268919,"date":"2025-08-05T15:23:01","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T13:23:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/?p=268919"},"modified":"2025-08-12T15:32:45","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T13:32:45","slug":"mother-fears-for-the-worst-as-her-child-struggles-to-recover","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/mother-fears-for-the-worst-as-her-child-struggles-to-recover\/","title":{"rendered":"Mother fears for the worst as her child struggles to recover"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

More than two months have passed since police arrested a man accused of sexually abusing his nine-year-old niece-by-marriage. The child\u2019s mother now says her daughter\u2019s condition has worsened. In addition, the family struggles to access basic necessities such as nappies and food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 47-year-old accused, known to People\u2019s Post, remains in custody. He appeared in Wynberg Magistrates\u2019 Court in June, where bail was denied. Authorities scheduled his next court appearance for Thursday, 14 August, via virtual proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

family struggles amid trauma and limited support
At the time of the abuse, the child lived with her aunt and uncle in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay. Meanwhile, her mother received treatment in the Eastern Cape. When she returned to Cape Town and learned about her daughter\u2019s injuries, she sought help at Victoria Hospital. Doctors confirmed injuries consistent with penetration. They referred the child for counselling and forensic examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the mother says the child\u2019s health remains at serious risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cShe has a sore underneath, and she leaks. Doctors say the damage affects her womb,\u201d she told People\u2019s Post.
\u201cIf it doesn\u2019t heal, they may have to remove it. That\u2019s my biggest fear. She\u2019s only a child.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Because of her injuries, the child now depends on adult nappies, which are expensive and hard to replace regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe hospital gave us maternity pads, but they don\u2019t suffice. I have no income and receive only a child grant. Everything feels overwhelming.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The family lives in a one-room shack. The mother\u2019s 19-year-old son stayed alone while she was away. He expressed frustration and regret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThis whole thing angers me,\u201d he said, voice cracking.
\u201cIf she had lived with me, my sister would have been safe.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Support services and official responses<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness responded to inquiries from People\u2019s Post. It confirmed that facilities like the Thuthuzela Care Centre at Victoria Hospital provide trauma counselling, medical care, and referrals based on individual needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In cases involving compounded trauma, doctors may refer survivors to clinical psychologists. Serious injuries often lead to referral at specialist hospitals such as the Red Cross War Memorial Children\u2019s Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the department clarified that hospitals cannot cover long-term sanitary needs. Instead, families must contact the Department of Social Development or local NGOs for this support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n