Western Cape grapples with alarming rise in child rapes

Two child rapes have rocked the Western Cape - as a 21-year-old suspect is expected to appear in court this morning for the alleged rape and brutal assault of a one-year and nine-month-old girl. This while police are investigating a case of rape of a seven-year-old boy who was allegedly raped at an Atlantis school.

The shocking cases come nearly a week after the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) rejected calls from activist group Women for Change (WFC) to have GBV and femicide declared a national disaster.

In response to the NDMC’s decision, Premier Alan Winde's spokesperson, Regan Thaw said: “While I agree that levels of violent crime, including gender-based violence and femicide, are intolerably high, declaring a state of disaster will likely not be the most effective response to this scourge. This process would have to be approved nationally. Instead, we must intensify our whole-of-society approach to keep focusing on changing behaviours and protecting vulnerable residents such as women and children.”

The decision comes as WFC’s national shutdown is set for November 21. Police have since confirmed both cases of rape, one in Mitchells Plain and the other in Atlantis.

In Tafelsig at the weekend, police arrested the 21-year-old man for the alleged rape of a toddler who was later rushed to hospital after sustaining several bruises to her face and body. It has yet to be confirmed whether additional charges are expected to be added given the severity of the injuries.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the case: “A 21-year-old male was arrested for rape and will appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ court on November 18, 2025.” Lynn Philipps of the Cape Flats Safety Forum (CFSF) who was informed about the case said she was horrified that a defenseless child was attacked and raped: “We condemn any act of violence or brutality against any child and specifically a minor child that's defenseless. We urge authorities to please make sure that they investigate this case thoroughly.”

In Atlantis, police confirmed that the alleged rape took place on the grounds of a primary school  while the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said CCTV footage was being viewed and the claim that the incident occurred on school property was being probed.

Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk said: "This office can confirm that on November 13, 2025 a case of rape was reported to the Atlantis SAPS for investigation. According to reports on Friday, November 7, 2025 a 7-year-old victim was allegedly raped at a school in Atlantis. This case was transferred to Milnerton FCS for further investigation. Investigations continue."

Cape Argus will not be identifying the name of the school in order to protect the victim.

It is understood that the alleged incident took place inside the school's toilets earlier this month. Brongah Hammond, spokesperson of the WCED said while they were made aware of the incident, much clarity was to be determined on who the perpetrator was and that the child was receiving counselling. “The allegations were brought to the attention of the school on Thursday. The school then informed the district yesterday and the learner is currently receiving support from the district, DSD and a local NGO. The allegations have been reported to SAPS, who are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. SAPS was present at the school on Friday and today to conduct an investigation. Security footage was observed.

“The identity or age of the alleged perpetrator has not been confirmed. It is also not yet clear if the incident involves someone at the school or if it indeed happened at the school. We await more information from SAPS. “While we understand the community’s anger regarding the allegations, we appeal to the community to refrain from disrupting schooling or spreading rumours until the facts have been established. There are many allegations circulating and until SAPS releases more concrete information we cannot comment on the case. Additional security has been arranged for the school.”

Siya Monakali of Ilitha Labanthu, which advocates for the rights of women and children, said the incident highlighted the issue of safety at educational institutions. “This case reflects troubling realities that extend beyond a single act of violence. It raises critical questions about child protection mechanisms within our educational institutions, the efficacy of reporting protocols, and the systemic delays that continue to undermine justice for survivors of sexual violence."

Vanessa Le Roux, founder of Parents for Equal Education called for justice and for child supervision to be more proactive: “Children under the age of 12 cannot be prosecuted, however the harm is done to the victim. So, there needs to be stricter rules in protecting and watching girls at schools. A seven-year-old child needs more assistance, why are these children not properly supervised? 

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus