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Government is outraged by the sexual abuse that a nine month-old baby underwent, as reported in the media. Government will not tolerate any form of violence and abuse against our children and has classified this element of criminality as a high priority. Government calls on law enforcement agencies to take strong action against those responsible for the gross violation of an innocent baby.

According to the media report the child’s aunt discovered injuries on the baby’s genitals after the mother had left her in the father’s care. The aunt told the father that something was wrong and they immediately reported it to the police.

The GCIS Acting Director-General Phumla Williams said: “It’s appalling that we see a prevalence of gruesome inhumane acts against our children. As we prepare to close National Child Protection Week, society needs to realise the harm that adults are inflicting on children and resolve to break the cycle of abuse and neglect. We need to educate the boy child on the issue of women rights; we need to speak out against abuse and make our voices heard; and we need to ensure that our children feel safe.”

The Bill of Rights states that every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation. “It’s imperative for parents and the public at large to safeguard the children’s wellbeing by protecting them from any harm and danger. The rights of the child has to be realised by the adult. Even though government has made the fight against child abuse a priority- we cannot overcome this scourge on our own. Families, neighbours and communities have vital roles to play. Let us as a nation not be rendered defeated in protecting the children of South Africa,” said Williams.

Issued by Government Communication and Information System