An investigation in line with the Children’s Act will form part of the case of abandonment opened against a Cape Town father, after his three-year-old daughter was found wandering alone along Sea Point promenade on Youth Day.
Police confirmed that a 32-year-old father was arrested after his daughter was found alone along the promenade.
He is expected to appear in court soon.
MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, said when a child is placed within their care, an assessment is done and efforts taken to try and trace the family.
“The department is aware of the matter and has safeguarded the child concerned.
"The matter has been referred to the relevant designated child protection organisation who will be conducting an investigation in line with the Children's Act,” said Londt in response to the Cape Argus.
“When a child is found abandoned and reported to the Department of Social Development the immediate steps are for a child protection social worker to be assigned, who will ensure that the child is safeguarded and the necessary safety and risk assessments are done.
“An assessment of the circumstances will be included within the Safety and Risk Assessment.
"Measures to trace the family will be exercised. Should no family members be found, a safe parent who meets all the criteria within all the legal frameworks will be sought.”
Londt said the case highlighted the need for more foster and safety parents in the province.
“We further urge those who are eligible to contact their nearest DSD office to apply to become safety parents.
"Police clearance as well as screening against the Child Protection register is required for the applicant and those who live on the property.
“Training on the Children’s Act is also provided.
"Safety parents provide a temporary home in a caring environment for children while child protection investigations are under way, which can take about three months or more.”
The Cape Argus had earlier queried with police whether the man had been arrested for apparent child trafficking, which according to Independent Newspapers photographer, Ayanda Ndamane, who had been on the scene, was the initial suspicions.
“ Kindly be advised that POPS members were doing visible policing at a protest march on Tuesday, June 16 at the Sea Point Promenade,” said FC van Wyk at the time.
“A girl child was found sitting all by herself by runners who passed her several times and alerted the members.
"The members took the child to Sea Point SAPS and did some investigations in the area.
“Later a male came and reported that he is the father of the child.
“A child abandonment case was opened for investigation. A 32-year-old male was arrested, and will appear in court soon for the mentioned charge.
" The three-year-old girl child was handed over to personnel of the Department of Social Development.”
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