/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Government has noted with great sadness recent media coverage on crimes against children, with the most recent incident being that of an eight-year-old girl who was found in a river in Mamelodi with her hands and legs tied together.

“This atrocious behaviour will not be tolerated. Children have a constitutional right to be protected from harm and danger. Government urges communities to work together to keep children safe and for parents to be more vigilant about their children’s whereabouts and activities. Communities are advised to be vigilant about their surroundings and report any strange behaviour by people in their neighbourhood,” Acting Cabinet Spokesperson, Phumla Williams said.

Williams added: “The wheels of justice must turn in this and similar cases. We are appealing to citizens to refrain from causing harm to children. We can and must do more to protect the lives of children. What we do in defence of children will define us as a society, as they are the future leaders of this country. Parents are also encouraged to speak to their children about the dangers of speaking to strangers.”

Through various pieces of legislations and policies, government is committed to ensuring the safety of children, however it is also imperative that parents and society be cognisant of the roles that they need to play in protecting children and in exposing any suspected child abuse activities or child exploitation.

Government calls on the Mamelodi community to come forward with any piece of information that could assist the police in this case.

“The deafening silence by communities only encourages the recurrence of these brutal criminal acts against children. Let us play our part as citizens, it is time we stand up for our children and protect them against any form of neglect,” said Williams.

To report any suspected child abuse, neglect or exploitation, please contact any of the following hotlines.

•SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10 111
•SMS Crime Line: 32211
•Department of Social Development 24-hour Command Centre: 0800 428 428 (toll-free)
Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone
•Child Welfare South Africa: 0861 424453 / 011 452-4110

Issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)