CHILD PREGNANCIES: DA calls on SAHRC to investigate ‘systemic breakdown’ in child rape cases (opens original article in a new tab)

The DA reported that only 110 out of 798 child pregnancies in South Africa were reported to police, citing systemic failures in reporting and prosecution of child sexual abuse cases.

• In 2025, 798 children aged 10-14 gave birth in South Africa, but only 110 cases were reported to SAPS.
• The DA found systemic failures including lack of rape kits, incomplete forms, and staff shortages leading to underreporting of child pregnancies.
• Over 150,000 rape kits were unprocessed nationwide, causing delays in prosecution and case dismissals.
• The DA called on SAHRC to investigate government departments for failing to report and prosecute child sexual abuse cases.