Man detained after 13-year-old delivers baby on Christmas Day

Health ministers and authorities in some provinces in the country expressed concern after teenagers as young as 13 were among those who welcomed Christmas babies this year.

A 13-year-old from Limpopo was one of the teens who became a mom on 25 December. Three 15-year-olds were also reported to have given birth on the day, sparking reaction from leaders in these provinces.

13-YEAR-OLD GIVES BIRTH TO CHRISTMAS BABY

eNCA reported on 27 December that this has again brought the spotlight on teenage pregnancy. According to the Department of Health, almost 90 teenagers gave birth on Christmas Day.

Speaking to eNCA, Limpopo Premier, Phophi Ramathuba acknowledged the swift response of the hospital in Seshego in reporting the birth to authorities and the police taking immediate action.

Ramathuba said in the past it was difficult to report such cases due to numerous factors such the involvement of parents of children in question or law enforcement dragging their feet.

She expressed: “Seshego Hospital was able to alert us as Provincial government on Christmas Day that amongst the deliveries that they have, there is also a child who is also to give birth who is 13 years old, which simply means she conceived this baby at the age of 12.

“Meaning the sexual abuse and the statutory rape occurred when she was 12 years or even younger than 12. We don’t know when it started.”

POLICE TO PROBE TEEN PREGNACIES IN LIMPOPO

SABC NEWS reported on 27 December that the police in Limpopo have vowed to probe teen pregnancy cases in the province. Limpopo has recorded 31 births by teenagers in one day. Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Police Commissioner, spoke about this worrying trend.

Speaking to SABC NEWS, Hadebe said: “We are picking up on this trend that on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, you find young teenage girls who are pregnant and when you follow up these girls are impregnated by elders who are over age. We want to put a stop to that.

“This case is setting an example and I must promise all those who run for young girls and taking advantage of them, that we will not rest until we find them and arrest them. So I’m sending a message to every perpetrator or anyone who’s involved with a young girl that that is a crime in South Africa.”

CASE OF STATUTORY RAPE AFTER TEEN DELIVERS CHRISTMAS BABY

Regarding the case of the 13-year-old who gave birth on Christmas Day in Limpopo, the Hadebe sent a stern warning to those impregnating underage girls.

The Commissioner expressed: “When we interviewed the girl, she indicated that the person who impregnated her was working in one of the local restaurants within Polokwane and that’s when our FCF (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units) went and impounded the man.”