14-year-old girl arrested for stabbing boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend

A 14-year-old girl who was arrested for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend says she would like to finish her grade 7 and become a doctor one day.

The minor who cannot be named to protect her revealed this during the launch of Child Protection Week at the KwaZulu-Natal Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) which accommodates children in conflict with the law.  

14-YEAR-OLD GIRL ARRESTED FOR MURDER 

The young girl who was arrested on 17 January 2023 said her life has not been the same since she committed the crime. 

Another 16-year-old who was arrested for rape said that he really felt bad for what he did.

 “I want to apologise to the girl I raped. What I did is unforgivable,” he said. 

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Department of Social Development Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu who was at the facility to interact with the children encouraged them and told them that in life, everyone makes mistakes.

“Your part is to accept what you have done and forgive yourselves. Do not let this situation define who you are. Through your Child Youth Care Workers, you can request to speak to those you have done wrong and apologise as you reclaim your lives,” she said. 

This, she said, is part of the Restorative Justice – a theory that focuses on reconciling and reintegrating offenders into society rather than on retribution. As part of the provision of the child protection system, the Department of Social Development provides care and reintegration services for children in conflict with the law. 

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Media Statement

CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES ON THE LAUNCH OF CHILD PROTECTION WEEK
(1/17)#ChildProtection365 pic.twitter.com/6aHrwLuUt6

— Social Development (@The_DSD) May 29, 2023

SOCIETY URGED TO PROTECT CHILDREN

The department’s spokesperson, Lumka Oliphant said in line with the provision of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, they have established CYCCs which accommodate children in conflict with the law. 

Oliphant said the CYCCS serve as residential facilities for children awaiting trial, sentencing or those who have been sentenced in terms of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008.

The Child Protection Week campaign, which is now a 365 day campaign, encourages all sectors of society to care and protect children. It also impresses on the importance of coordinated action needed across a number of fronts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in South Africa.

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