Allegations of sexual abuse at youth care centre in Cape Town spark scrutiny

Allegations of sexual abuse at a Youth Care Centre in Cape Town have reignited scrutiny over safety, oversight and placement practices at secure care facilities meant to protect vulnerable children.

According to reporting by Son Newspaper, a 12-year-old child was allegedly raped by three older boys at the Kraaifontein centre (Bonnytoun Child and Youth Care Centre) last month.

The publication further reports that the incident has exposed additional allegations of sexual misconduct within the facility.

Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) operate under the framework of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 and the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008, and are intended to provide care for children at risk as well as those in conflict with the law. These centres are meant to be places of safety, structure and rehabilitation.

However, information cited by Son suggests the 12-year-old, who had reportedly been admitted to Bonnytoun at the beginning of March, should not have been housed alongside significantly older boys.

Nearly a month after his admission, he was allegedly assaulted by boys aged 15, 16 and 17.

Reports claim the child’s placement contravened basic safeguarding principles that separate younger children from older residents, particularly in secure care environments. It is also alleged that management did not immediately report the incident after the allegation surfaced.

Before the alleged assault, the child was described as calm and playful. Afterwards, sources say his behaviour changed dramatically, with reports that he became withdrawn, disruptive and reluctant to attend classes.

The allegations echo broader concerns previously raised about conditions inside some secure care facilities in the Western Cape.

In January 2026, the Cape Argus reported on a separate case in which a 16-year-old boy sought refuge in a secure care centre to escape gang threats, only to find himself exposed to gang activity, assault and drugs within the facility. Activists working closely with children in these centres warned that some facilities risk becoming recruitment grounds for gangs rather than safe havens.

Bonnytoun itself has faced serious incidents in the past. In 2017, the Western Cape Department of Social Development confirmed that operations at the centre had been disrupted after a mass assault and escape attempt. A group of 31 boys overpowered staff, with two care workers injured.

Most of the boys were later returned to the facility after being apprehended by authorities and parents.