Father Arrested for Leaving 3-Year-Old Girl Alone on Sea Point Promenade on Youth Day
Stunning events transpired on the Sea Point promenade on Tuesday as police intervened to rescue a three-year-old girl and apprehended a man for allegedly abandoning her.
As Capetonians honored Youth Day, a vulnerable little girl was left alone with no adult in sight while crowds passed by her.
Witnesses jogging in the vicinity spotted the girl sitting completely unattended.
They informed members of the Public Order Policing (POPS) who were monitoring a nearby protest.
The girl was located by police near the Mandela glasses on the promenade.
According to a photojournalist from Independent Media at the scene, the girl was asked whether she was by herself.
She indicated towards a flat across Beach Road.
The reporter stated: “I captured a photo of the officer with the child.
“When I inquired about the situation, the officer mentioned that the child was alone.
“They questioned her about her mother, and she directed them to a flat.
“Five officers proceeded across the road to the flat.
“I later witnessed them taking a man into custody.
“They informed me they were arresting him on suspicions of human trafficking.”
However, further inquiries with provincial police revealed that the man was arrested for child abandonment, and a case has been opened for investigation.
He is set to appear in court shortly.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk stated: “Please note that POPS members were conducting visible policing at a protest march today, Tuesday, 16 June 2026, at the Sea Point Promenade.
“A young girl was discovered sitting alone by runners who alerted the members after passing her several times.
“The officers took the child to Sea Point SAPS and conducted further investigations in the area.
“Eventually, a male came forward, claiming to be the child’s father. A case of child abandonment was subsequently opened for investigation.
“A 32-year-old male has been arrested and will soon appear in court on the charges mentioned.
“The child has been handed over to the Department of Social Development’s personnel.”
Independent Media has attempted to contact the Western Cape Department of Social Development for comments but had not received a response prior to publication.