EC police open several cases against adults accused of impregnating minors

JOHANNESBURG - Eastern Cape police have opened several cases against adults accused of impregnating minors after government revealed that 117 girls aged between 10 and 14 gave birth in public hospitals from April to July.

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

Authorities have warned families against withdrawing charges, saying it allows predators to continue preying on children.

The provincial government has reiterated that the Sexual Offences Act makes it illegal for any adult to engage in sexual conduct with children and that even when both parties are underage, the law still requires prosecution.

Police confirmed that several rape cases linked to the minors had been opened, with some already before court, but at least three had been withdrawn, highlighting the scale of the challenge.

Eastern Cape Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa: "Talk to your children about issues of reproduction, take them to our facilities, so give them all the necessary support."

Officials said that parents who dropped charges undermined the justice system and put other children at risk, warning that communities had a legal duty to report all cases.