Eastern Cape Police Probe Adults After 117 Young Girls Fall Pregnant

Eastern Cape authorities have raised the alarm after shocking statistics revealed that 117 girls aged between 10 and 14 gave birth in public hospitals between April and July.

In the same period, more than 4,700 teenagers aged 15 to 19 also delivered babies, with the highest figures recorded in OR Tambo district, Buffalo City Metro, and Nelson Mandela Bay.

Police Open Cases Against Predators

In response to SurgeZirc SA’s inquiry, a police source confirmed that they have opened several criminal cases against adults accused of impregnating minors.

Some of these cases are already before court, while at least three were withdrawn. Officials stressed that withdrawing cases allows predators to continue targeting children.

The provincial government reminded the public that the Sexual Offences Act prohibits any adult from engaging in sexual conduct with minors, and even in cases where both parties are underage, the law requires prosecution.

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Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa urged parents to take a proactive role in protecting children:
“Talk to your children about issues of reproduction, take them to our facilities, so give them all the necessary support.”

Authorities warned that parents who abandon cases undermine the justice system and endanger other children. Communities were urged to recognize their legal duty to report all incidents of statutory rape and child abuse.

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