Suspicious incident at Strand Beach raises child safety concerns for Cape Town parents

A six-year-old child was found with an adult male under suspicious circumstances at Strand Beach on Saturday who has yet to be apprehended.

This prompted the City of Cape Town to warn parents to stay alert as the festive season approaches.

According to Strand Patrol chairperson KC Gericke, neighbourhood watch members responded to a report of a missing child who was last seen swimming. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) was called in to assist in the search.

“During the search, the child was found with an adult male under highly concerning circumstances,” said Gericke. “When confronted, the suspect ran off into nearby bushes. Despite an extensive two-hour search, he was not found.”

Gericke added the child and their mother are receiving support following the incident.

NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon confirmed that the organisation’s Gordon’s Bay station was called to Strand Beach on November 8 after it was suspected that a child might be missing in the water. “On our arrival, it was found that the child had been located and NSRI were no longer required. Police were on the scene attending,” he said.

The SAPS were unable to confirm which station was handling the matter but stated that the Strand precinct had no record of the incident.

The incident has raised alarm among local safety groups, who say it highlights the need for greater vigilance among parents, especially during the busy summer months.

Gericke said parents and caregivers should always keep children within sight and not assume they are safe in public spaces. He also urged the public to remain alert, avoid leaving valuables in cars, and switch off Bluetooth when parked to prevent digital theft.

City Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, said the City had activated its annual Festive Season Safety Plan, which coordinates multiple departments to ensure beach and park safety.

“The City’s Recreation and Parks Department manages beaches, parks, and swimming pools, and plays an integral part in ensuring safe spaces during the busy festive season,” said Higham. 

Higham said the City also runs several safety initiatives, including the Identikidz child identification programme, a drowning prevention campaign, and the deployment of trained lifeguards at popular beaches.

With summer crowds expected to swell, the City is urging residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the police or local safety groups immediately.

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Cape Argus