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The Western Cape Department of Social Development will make contact with the family of the 7 year-old Mitchells Plain girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted by boys in her area.

The department became aware of the incident through a media report, which alleged that the 7 year old girl was raped by three boys aged 8, 10, 12. As the matter allegedly involves minors, the DSD will be guided by the Children’s Act of 2005 and the Child Justice Act of 2008 in our approach and actions.

Social workers have been dispatched to make contact with the family with the view of establishing the facts, and taking necessary action. We continue to urge parents to report such cases, and any cases of alleged abuse and/or neglect of children directly to the department. This can be done by either approaching any of our regional or local offices, or contacting the DSD hotline on 0800 220 250.

We can all play our part to protect and empower children in the province if we continue to work, ‘Better Together’.

Issued by Western Cape Social Development