ActionSA MP Dereleen James has responded to mounting criticism over a live-streamed raid in Lentegeur, saying her team acted once concerns were raised about the exposure of minors. According to Cape Town Etc, James admitted that they were “not careful enough” in protecting the identities of the children caught up in the operation.

The backlash followed the raid that led to six children being removed from what officials described as unsafe living conditions. James told Cape Argus, in comments carried by Cape Town Etc, that her team took steps to better protect the children once the issue was flagged.

She also said the incident showed the need for closer cooperation with the relevant department in future operations.

The raid sparked outrage across Cape Town

The public response was swift after footage of the raid circulated online. Critics questioned whether the operation, and especially the livestream, put vulnerable children at further risk.

But James pushed back against the criticism. Speaking to Cape Town Etc, she said the focus had shifted away from the victims and the seriousness of the case. “Of course, they will go searching for a needle in a haystack,” she said, arguing that public attention had moved onto side issues instead of the abuse allegations.

James says the raid freed abuse victims

James defended the broader purpose of the operation, saying it helped free “a 62-year-old woman and her family” from years of abuse. She said the case involved long-term domestic violence and trauma that affected not just one household, but an entire street.

According to Cape Town Etc, the six children removed during the raid have since been placed in alternative care. Police have also launched a review into the circumstances surrounding the operation.

Clothing detail was meant to help track the suspect

James also addressed criticism over the suspect’s clothing being visible during coverage of the raid. She said the suspect changed T-shirts throughout the day to avoid being tracked, and argued that showing what he was wearing was meant to help people identify him if he ran.

She said her focus remains on the safety of the children and that she is still following up on what she described as “serious allegations” with SAPS.

Her response adds a more measured note to a story that has already triggered intense debate in Cape Town, with questions now centring on both child protection and how public raids are handled, according to Cape Town Etc.