Police visit children
The Bedfordview SAPS visited the Son Shine Pre-School Methodist Church on Van Buuren Road recently.
The Bedfordview SAPS’s social crime prevention coordinator, Constable Hlulani Mathebula, said the visit was aimed at bridging the gap between children and the police.
“Some parents use the police as scare tactics. They tell their children they will call the police to arrest them when they are not doing what they want them to do.
“This makes children think the police are bad people. We want to erase that myth. We want them to know they can run to us for safety. They can also call us when they need help,” said Const Mathebula.
She told the children that the police can be called on 0860 10111.
The Bedfordview SAPS women’s network and the Bedfordview Youth Desk were also part of the project. The Bedfordview SAPS corporate communications officer, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, told children not to allow people to touch them without their permission.
The Bedfordview Youth Desk chairperson, Mr Blessing Nkanyani, shared safety tips with the children during the visit.
“Do not talk to strangers. Do not enter a stranger’s car or house unless you are with your parents. Do not cross the road alone and if you feel scared or unsafe, call the police,” Mr Nkanyani said.
