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Child abuse is endemic in South Africa. The country’s child protection system is complex and depends on collaboration between multiple agencies. But it is at the critical moment when abuse is reported to a social worker that a young life can be saved.
This investigation revisits the 2017 murder of 18-month-old Jeremiah Ruiters, who was killed after a social worker failed to intervene. The case shocked the nation and prompted the Western Cape Department of Social Development to introduce a range of measures to prevent social workers from rubber stamping home visits in response to abuse complaints - and failing to detect when children are in danger.
By examining the 2021 murder of baby Caswell Frans – killed by his foster mother – this investigation finds that poor supervision, overloaded caseworkers, and systemic neglect continue to render the country’s early detection system for child abuse ineffectual.