Article re-cap
- A 32-year-old man was arrested in Sea Point, Cape Town, after his three-year-old daughter was found alone.
- Police are investigating a case of child abandonment according to officials.
- The Department of Social Development has safeguarded the child concerned and initiated steps to locate the family.
A 32-year-old man was arrested in Sea Point, Cape Town, after his three-year-old daughter was found alone on the promenade during Youth Day. Police are investigating a case of child abandonment according to officials.
Police confirmed that the father was taken into custody following the incident. According to Jaco Londt, MEC for Social Development, an investigation will be conducted in line with the Children’s Act.
Londt stated that when a child is placed within their care, an assessment is done and efforts are made to trace the family. The Department of Social Development has safeguarded the child concerned and initiated steps to locate the family.
A designated child protection organisation will lead the investigation as per the Children’s Act. This includes conducting a Safety and Risk Assessment and attempting to trace the parents.
Police reported that members were doing visible policing at a protest march on Tuesday, June 16th at the Sea Point Promenade when the girl was found sitting alone by runners who alerted them. The father subsequently reported he was the child’s parent.
A child abandonment case has been opened for investigation and the 32-year-old male is expected to appear in court soon.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current status of the father involved in this incident?
A 32-year-old man was arrested in Sea Point, Cape Town, following the discovery of his three-year-old daughter alone on the promenade; he is currently being investigated for a case of child abandonment and is expected to appear in court.
What actions are being taken by the Department of Social Development?
The Department of Social Development has safeguarded the child concerned and initiated steps to locate the family; they are working with a designated child protection organisation to conduct a Safety and Risk Assessment and attempt to trace the parents as per the Children’s Act.
How did police become aware of the situation?
Police members were conducting visible policing at a protest march on Tuesday, June 16th at the Sea Point Promenade when the girl was found sitting alone by runners who alerted them; this led to the father reporting he was the child’s parent.
What legal framework is guiding the investigation?
Police are investigating a case of child abandonment according to officials; an investigation will be conducted in line with the Children’s Act, overseen by Jaco Londt, MEC for Social Development, and a designated child protection organisation.
What is the purpose of the Safety and Risk Assessment?
A designated child protection organisation will lead the investigation as per the Children’s Act; this includes conducting a Safety and Risk Assessment to determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s abandonment and attempt to trace the parents.
When did this incident occur?
The three-year-old girl was found alone on the promenade during Youth Day; police were conducting visible policing at a protest march on Tuesday, June 16th at the Sea Point Promenade when the incident occurred.
Source: iol.co.za, capetownetc.com
