A 32-year-old man accused in a shocking Atlantis child abuse case is expected to appear in the Atlantis Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 May.
Police confirmed that the man was arrested on Friday, 15 May, after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk said the suspect was arrested on a warrant and would appear in court on Monday.
The case has sparked outrage in Atlantis after it emerged that an 11-year-old girl had given birth.
Child Placed in Safety
The child, who cannot be named because she is a minor, has reportedly been removed from her home and placed in a place of safety.
The girl allegedly gave birth last week after sexual abuse involving a person known to the family.
Authorities have not released further details about the child’s condition or the baby’s condition.
The matter remains under investigation.
Mother Also Arrested
The child’s mother has also been arrested and has already appeared in the Atlantis Magistrate’s Court.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that the mother appeared in court on a charge of failing to report the commission of a sexual offence.
Her case has been postponed to Tuesday, 19 May.
The mother also cannot be identified to protect the identity of the child and prevent further trauma.
The case has left many residents in Atlantis angry and shaken.
Some residents said they were concerned that the alleged abuse may have continued without being noticed.
There are also concerns about another minor who reportedly lived in the same household.
Atlantis ward councillor Allister Lightburn expressed outrage over the matter.
“I cannot fathom the idea that an adult will impregnate a child of 11 years old and the mother who is complicit in this heinous crime,” Lightburn said.
The case has again raised serious concerns about child protection, sexual abuse and the need for adults to report suspected crimes against children immediately.
Police and prosecutors are expected to place more details before the court as the case continues.
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