ATLANTIS BOY, 7, RAPED AT SCHOOL

TWO child rapes have rocked the Western Cape.

This as a 21-year-old suspect is expected to appear in court today for the alleged rape and brutal assault of a 21-month-old boy and police are investigating a case of rape of a seven-year-old boy who was allegedly raped at an Atlantis school.

The shocking cases come nearly a week after the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) rejected calls from activist Women for Change (WFC) to have GBV and femicide declared a national disaster.

In response to the NDMC’s decision, Premier Alan Winde’s spokesperson, Regan Thaw, said: “While I agree that levels of violent crime, including gender-based violence and femicide, are intolerably high, declaring a state of disaster will likely not be the most effective response to this scourge.

“This process would have to be approved nationally. Instead, we must intensify our whole-of-society approach to keep focusing on changing behaviours.”

The decision comes as WFC’s national shutdown is set for 21 November.

Police have since confirmed both cases of rape, one in Mitchells Plain and the other in Atlantis.

In Tafelsig at the weekend, police arrested the 21-year-old man for the alleged rape of the toddler who was later rushed to hospital after sustaining several bruises to her face and body.

It has yet to be confirmed whether additional charges are expected to be added given the severity of the injuries.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the case: “A 21-year-old male was arrested for rape and will appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court on [Tuesday].”

In Atlantis, police confirmed that the alleged rape took place at a primary school’s ground, while the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said CCTV footage was being viewed and the claim that the incident occurred on school property was being probed.

Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said: “This office can confirm that on 13 November 2025 a case of rape was reported to the Atlantis SAPS for investigation. According to reports on Friday, 7 November 2025 a 7-year-old victim was allegedly raped at a school in Atlantis.”