The issue of child safety and rape in Mzansi is deeply concerning, and the recent alleged rape of a two-year-old at a Western Cape hospital is a tragic example of the problem. While child safety is a complex issue with many factors involved, it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect children from abuse and violence. This incident has also placed the spotlight squarely on the security of patients and health workers at health facilities.
Shocking reports emerge
Reports have surfaced of a tragic incident involving the rape of a toddler at Wesfleur Hospital in Atlantis, on Wednesday, 10 January 2024.
According to Byron La Hoe, assistant director of communication for the Western Cape’s department of health and wellness, the alleged perpetrator is not an employee of the department.
La Hoe says a doctor examined the child involved in the incident at the hospital’s Thuthuzela Care Centre, which offers support to victims of sexual violence. In addition, an inquiry has been registered with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to investigate the matter further.
“The centre is a safe space where victims of rape and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV) are provided with social, psychological, medical and legal services in a more victim-friendly environment,” says La Hoe.
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‘This is concerning’
Zintle Khobeni-De Lange, the founder of The Great People of South Africa, has emphasised the seriousness of this incident and the wider issue of child sexual violence.
“We are deeply saddened and disturbed to learn of the alleged incident of sexual assault involving a two-year-old at the Atlantis Hospital. Our hearts go out to the victim and their family during this tough time,” she says.
She notes that these types of crimes are devastating to the victims and can cause long-term physical and emotional harm.
“While we acknowledge that sexual violence can take place anywhere, we are equally concerned of the fact that this took place at a hospital, an institution where children and all members of society should be most safe.”
Zintle Khobeni-De Lange
Khobeni-De Lange, a champion for the elimination of violence against women and children, has condemned the horrific act of violence perpetrated against the child. She has called for the perpetrator to be denied bail and held fully accountable for their actions.
“We urge the hospital to increase the presence of security personnel, to implement access control systems to limit entry to authorised personnel and visitors, and to install surveillance cameras in strategic locations to deter potential offenders, and provide evidence in case of incidents.”
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Safety must be a priority
This incident has brought to light the need for a collaborative approach between government departments, law enforcement, and local communities to keep children safe, according to Khobeni-De Lange.
In addition, hospitals need to take proactive steps to keep pace with the changing landscape of threats to safety. She says this includes ongoing reviews and updates of policies and procedures and implementing preventative measures to mitigate risks.
Meanwhile, La Hoe emphasises that the safety of patients and staff is a top priority for the department of health and wellness. To ensure the safety of all who enter their facilities, the department has security services stationed at strategic points and CCTV cameras installed in most healthcare facilities.
In addition, he states that the smaller healthcare facilities have panic button systems, security officers, and local SAPS support.
“We strongly condemn all criminal acts in our health facilities, which should be a place of healing.”
Staff and patients are advised to stay attentive and on the lookout for any safety concerns to keep one another safe, advises La Hoe.
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