The Eastern Cape Department of Health has expressed shock and concern after a 12-year-old girl gave birth at Frontier Hospital in Komani in the Chris Hani District Municipality.
This as the MEC of Health Ntandokazi Capa is visiting Dora Nginza hospital to give gifts to mothers of new year babies.
The mother’s baby is among 44 babies born today so far, in hospitals across the province.
Capa says they will work with relevant departments such as social development to ensure that someone is held accountable.
“So, we are really saddened about that, in one way or another this is statutory rape so we will rope in other departments. We need to find out who is the father of this baby and also calling upon parents to educate their children as there are many options of contraceptives”
‘Should be jailed’
Meanwhile, Eastern Cape social development MEC Bukiwe Fanta said the “perpetrator” who impregnated the girl should be jailed.
“Whoever impregnated children, no matter who it is, he is going to be jailed,” Fanta said.
“We must stop this victimisation of children.
“We are going to nip this behaviour in the bud.”
What’s the best way to prevent a repeat of such a situation?
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