Eastern Cape welcomed 44 New Year babies earlier today 01 January 2025, among the mothers was a 12-year-old girl. The girl gave birth at a clinic in the Chris Hani District Municipality area.
The MEC of Health Ntandokazi Capa who visited Dora Ngiza hospital where she handed out gifts to mothers said the development is disturbing. She added that someone must be held accountable for impregnating of a 12-year-old.
“One way or another this is statutory rape. We will rope other departments to investigate. We need to know who the father of this baby is and also calling upon parents to educate their children about many options of contraceptive on their disposal,” said Capa.
Meanwhile in Limpopo province, a 13-year-old gave birth on 25 December. This led to the arrest of a 28-year-old man for statutory rape who appeared in court in court earlier this week. The girl gave birth at Seshego Hospital outside Polokwane.