Cape Town Parents Arrested After 11-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Sold For R100

A Cape Town community has been left outraged following allegations that an 11-year-old girl was being sold for sex for as little as R100. The disturbing claims emerged from the Masincedane Informal Settlement in Strandfontein after a resident recorded a video appealing for help for the child. The video circulated widely online, prompting intervention by the Strandfontein Community Policing Forum (CPF) and subsequent arrests.

Cape Town Girl Allegedly Sold For Sex For R100

The Cape Town child exploitation case came to light after a resident raised concerns about the young girl’s alleged treatment by her parents. According to the resident in the video, he confronted the girl’s father, who allegedly said the child needed to contribute to the household because he had no money. The resident also alleged that people in the settlement said the father had indicated that the girl could sell herself.

“This child is being sold for R100.”

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The video was viewed by the Daily Voice’s sister publication, IOL, but was not published in order to protect the identity of the minor. Another resident from outside the settlement also described hearing similar allegations after entering the area. The claims quickly spread through the community and triggered calls for urgent intervention.

Strandfontein CPF Helps Secure Arrests

The Strandfontein child exploitation investigation was brought to the attention of the local CPF, which moved to assist in securing action. Strandfontein CPF chairperson Sandy Schuter said protecting vulnerable children was a priority and that she pushed for swift action after learning about the allegations. Both of the girl’s parents were initially arrested, although the mother was later released.

“When this recent, devastating case was brought to my attention, I refused to let go until everyone involved was arrested before the sunset. Justice for our children is non-negotiable, and swift action is the only acceptable standard...” Schuter said.

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The man who is believed to have “bought” the girl was also arrested. Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that authorities were investigating the allegations as a rape and sexual exploitation case involving an 11-year-old girl. The suspects have since appeared before a court.

Cape Town Child Abuse Case Reaches Court

The Cape Town child abuse case saw two suspects, aged 20 and 47, appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate’s Court on 11 August 2026. Twigg said both suspects were remanded in custody pending a formal bail application. They are expected to return to court on Monday, 17 August.

“The mentioned case is a rape and sexual exploitation case involving an 11-year-old girl,” Twigg said.

“We can confirm that two suspects aged 20 and 47 appeared in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate's Court, August 11, 2026, where they were remanded in custody for a formal bail application,” Twigg said.

Concerns have also been raised about other children who were reportedly living in the household. Western Cape MEC for Social Development Jaco Londt confirmed that his department was aware of the matter and was cooperating with the police Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit investigation.

“The Department has lodged an internal investigation regarding the claims of a delay in the response, and will identify and address any gaps to improve our service.”

The allegations surrounding the Department of Social Development’s response are also being investigated internally. The department has said the review will identify any shortcomings and address gaps in its service.