HUMANSDORP – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has confirmed the arrest of two suspects following a harrowing investigation by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Humansdorp.

According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, on 14 January, a 7-year-old female child was admitted to the Paediatric Oncology Ward at a Provincial Hospital in Gqeberha.

“She was diagnosed with a severe medical condition and was critically ill,” she said. “During her medical treatment, doctors made a distressing discovery: the child was also a victim of sexual abuse.”

Following a meticulous investigation and the child’s remarkable recovery, Gantana stated that she was able to disclose the abuse.

It was revealed that the alleged perpetrators are close to the victim.

Gantana applauded the FCS Unit for acting swiftly, “leading to two arrests: a 39-year-old male and a 44-year-old female. Both suspects face charges of rape.”

The suspects are scheduled to make their first appearance in the Humansdorp Magistrates’ Court today, 1 June.

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.”

“The SAPS appeals to anyone with additional information regarding this case or other instances of child abuse to come forward,” Gantana concluded.

ALSO READ: Medical practitioner granted bail over alleged sexual assault of five victims