The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has called on parents, caregivers, educators and communities to work together to protect children from abuse, exploitation, kidnapping, trafficking and all other forms of violence.
In a press release issued on 24 July, the department expressed concern about the continued incidence of crimes committed against children in the province. It stressed that protecting children is a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of families, communities and law enforcement agencies.
The department urged parents and caregivers to speak to children regularly about personal safety and teach them never to allow anyone to touch their private parts, accept gifts or lifts from strangers, or follow people they do not know. Children should also be encouraged to report immediately to a trusted adult if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable, threatened or unsafe, and, where possible, to memorise important emergency contact numbers.
Communities were also encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious behaviour involving children without delay, saying that early reporting can save lives and help bring perpetrators to justice.
Suspected crimes can be reported to the South African Police Service by calling 10111, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, Childline South Africa on 116 or 08000 55 555, or by reporting the matter at the nearest police station.