A 30-year-old female caretaker was recently arrested for allegedly abusing mentally disabled twins (aged nine) in their home in Garsfontein.
The caretaker has been detained by the Family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit (FCS).
The children need specialised care due to their mental disability and the caretaker was hired by their parents to look after them.
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The identity of the children and parents are known to Rekord but are kept anonymous to protect the children.
The couple had two full-time caretakers for the twins.
According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Michael Nel, the arrested caretaker, who can also not be named, had been in the parents’ service for several years.
“They trusted her as she demonstrated her ability to take care of the children and had been doing so for a long time.”
He said they got to know her as a loving and caring person who took their children’s needs to heart.
“They were shocked to learn their children were allegedly being abused at the hands of the very person whom they trusted who had been so kind to them for several years.”
Nel said it had been an emotionally difficult time for the family since they became aware of the first alleged incident.
“Their case proved to have challenges that had to be overcome due to the children’s unique situation and inability to communicate, which made it difficult to obtain evidence to produce to court.”
He said the police could not simply take a statement as they [the children] are unable to speak.
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“Sending them for an emotional evaluation also proved to be challenging due to their inability to communicate in sign language.”
The family had developed their own unique way of communicating with them over several years using a range of signs, each having a different meaning.
Nel said Garsfontein police were committed not to let anyone get away with alleged child abuse, despite any challenges in getting evidence and advised the couple to install surveillance cameras in their home, which they did.
“After obtaining video footage, they returned to the Garsfontein police and a criminal case was opened and the alleged perpetrator arrested.”
Bail was opposed by members of the FCS unit and the accused remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility until her next appearance in court.
Nel said this should serve as an uncompromising warning to anyone who abuses women and children.
“We will not tolerate any form of abuse against them. We are dedicated to bringing those who make themselves guilty of abuse to justice,” said Nel.
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