Pretoria - Government has called on the Mamelodi community to come forward with any of information that could assist the police in their investigation for the murder of a child in the area.
An eight-year-old girl was found in a river in Mamelodi with her hands and legs tied together.
“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,” Acting Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said on Wednesday.
Reacting to the recent media coverage of crimes against children, Williams said crimes against children will not be tolerated as they 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,” she said, adding that communities must be vigilant about their surroundings and report any strange behaviour by people in their neighbourhood.
Parents are also encouraged to speak to their children about the dangers of speaking to strangers.
"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.”
Through various pieces of legislations and policies, William said, 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.”
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
- The Department of Social Development’s 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
- SAnews.gov.za
