FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Laudium Community Policing Forum (CPF) wishes to clarify its role and address misinformation circulating on social media regarding a recent incident involving a minor.
Laudium CPF members were involved from the first day the matter was reported at the Laudium Police Station. From the outset, CPF members worked closely with SAPS and relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and protection of the minor.
Through coordinated efforts with SAPS and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), arrangements were made for the victim to be placed at a place of safety. An Occurrence Book (OB) entry was recorded at the Laudium Police Station.
In line with legal and ethical obligations, the location of the place of safety is not disclosed, in order to protect the identity and well-being of the victim.
The Laudium CPF remains in ongoing contact with the family currently caring for the 12-year-old child, and has continued to provide support to both the child and the family during this difficult time. In addition, the CPF engaged and coordinated with all relevant organisations and authorities to ensure that appropriate protective, psychosocial, and victim-support measures were implemented for the family and the minor.
In terms of the law, the identities of suspects in rape and sexual offence matters may not be disclosed until such time as they have appeared in court and entered a plea. Furthermore, the protection of a minor is paramount in accordance with the Child Protection Act and related legislation, which places a clear obligation on all parties to safeguard the identity, dignity, and safety of the child. The publication of material that directly or indirectly identifies persons linked to such matters undermines these legal protections and has the potential to place both the victim and the family at significant risk. For this reason, the Laudium CPF has exercised restraint and acted strictly within the boundaries of the law and ethical responsibility.
Subsequently, through local community engagement and family intervention, Laudium CPF members were able to establish contact with the suspect and successfully persuade him to surrender himself to the authorities. The suspect is currently in police custody, and the matter is being processed through the criminal justice system.
Laudium CPF routinely manages highly sensitive cases of this nature. Such matters are not publicised, as doing so would compromise the privacy, dignity, and safety of victims and their families, particularly when minors are involved.
The CPF remains committed to supporting SAPS, safeguarding vulnerable members of the community, and ensuring that due process is followed. Publicity will never take precedence over ethical responsibility and victim protection.
Issued by:
Laudium Community Policing Forum (CPF)