An 11-year-old girl has been taken into protective care after she was allegedly used as a child prostitute by her family.

The girl, from Die Tak or Masicedani informal settlement in Strandfontein, was removed from her home on 10 August after a video by her neighbour detailing the alleged sexual abuse in her home was shared on social media.

The video

The neighbour, who claims to be a parolee, recorded himself speaking to his phone camera, detailing what he had heard and witnessed. He describes shocking incidents and alleges that the child’s father spoke callously of selling sexual encounters with the child. He mentions the family by name, including the identity of the 11-year-old, before sharing the video on social media.

CPF gets the video

Strandfontein Community Policing Forum (CPF) chair Sandy Schuter said the video was shared several times before it reached her.

She immediately contacted the police, she said.

“When this recent, devastating case was brought to my attention, I refused to let go until everyone involved was arrested before the sun set,” Schuter said.

Case opened

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said a rape and sexual exploitation case was opened.

He said two people, aged 20 and 47, appeared at the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court on 11 August in connection with the case.

“They were remanded in custody for a formal bail application,” he said.

Children removed

While police only referred to one alleged victim, Western Cape MEC of Social Development, Jaco Londt, issued a statement saying that children from the residence were taken into the department’s care. “The Department is aware of the matter and cooperating with the FCS investigation,” Londt said. “We can confirm that the children have been safeguarded.”

Safeguarding children

Schuter said the CPF would “ensure that no stone is left unturned” when it came to safeguarding children.

“Justice for our children is non-negotiable, and swift action is the only acceptable standard. Crimes committed against our children do not just injure an individual; they strike at the very heart and soul of our community. These atrocities shatter the safe environments that every child deserves, replacing innocence and security with fear and trauma,” she said.

Schuter thanked the person who made the video for “taking a stand” but advised that when there is an incident involving a minor, “we don’t mention their names”.

“We want to protect the identity of the child,” she said. “To prevent secondary traumas and secondary victimisation.”

She advised that if people don’t feel comfortable reporting to the police, they should contact the CPF instead, rather than turning to social media.

“We continue to encourage our people to stand and address these matters,” Schuter said. “We cannot afford to look away, nor can we wait for tragedy to strike before we mobilise. We have a responsibility to act as parents, residents, community leaders, and our social services and safety agencies alike.”

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