A 32-year-old man has been arrested for child abandonment after a three-year-old girl was found alone on the Sea Point Promenade on Youth Day. 

According to police, members attached to the Public Order Police (POPS) were conducting visible policing duties during a protest march on Tuesday, 16 June, when the child was discovered by passersby. 

“A girl child was found sitting all by herself by runners who passed her several times and alerted the members,” said Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Captain F.C. Van Wyk. 

Officers took the child to Sea Point police station and proceeded with an investigation.  

Later in the day, a man informed officers that he was the father of the child, leading to his arrest.  

“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 Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Captain F.C. Van Wyk, advised that the three-year-old was subsequently placed in the care of the Department of Social Development (DSD). 

The Social Development MEC, Jaco Londt, confirmed that the department was aware of the matter and that it “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.  

Londt explained that when an abandoned child is reported, a child protection social worker is assigned to ensure the child’s safety and conduct the necessary risk assessments while efforts are made to trace family members. 

The Department further encouraged eligible residents to consider becoming “safety parents”, to provide temporary care for vulnerable children while child protection investigations are underway. 

“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 underway, which can take about 3 months or more.”