Stakeholders educate learners about abuse

They visited five primary schools in the area, educating and warning young people about child abuse and their rights.

The campaign involved stakeholders from SAPS, the departments of social development and health, and the EMPD.

Duduza police spokesman Sgt Harry Manaka says they decided to work together to come up with ways to fight the abuse of children.

“We also wanted to create awareness and build a relationship of trust between the police, schools and the children.

“We encouraged the learners to report abuse to an adult or their teachers.

“Most children who live with abuse are scared to speak out because the perpetrator has threatened their lives.

“We have also identified that some adults witness child abuse and choose to turn a blind eye.

“It should be known that if you fail to report abuse, it is a criminal offence and those responsible can be prosecuted in a court of law,” he says.

Manaka says they also cautioned the learners against speaking to strangers.

“They should avoid receiving gifts or money from any unknown person because this lures them into the hands of the perpetrators.”

EMPD Constable Lerato Gcwabe taught the learners a song aimed at informing and empowering them with respect to child abuse.

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