May 31 to June 7 is National Child Protection Week and Constable Mandisa Mokoena believes that children’s safety should be a priority all year round.
Const Mokoena joined the police service in March 2008, and in November 2011, she joined the Family Violence and Sexual Offences Unit in Germiston as a detective.
She said her passion for children runs deep in her veins.
“Some cases do get to you so much that you are unsure how to carry on, but I always find the strength to carry on. Knowing there is another child who needs my help keeps me going,” she said.
Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi said Const Mokoena joined the Bedfordview SAPS in September last year, to “beef up” the detective unit and provide support pertaining to cases that involve children.
A mother herself, Const Mokoena said she was concerned about the number of children hurt on a daily basis.
“This is why I urge schools and parents to get in touch with me if they suspect that a child is a victim of abuse,” said Const Mokoena.
She said one of her strong points when dealing with fragile cases is her ability to get people to open up to her.
She said, “Children, as well as rape victims alike, need to trust you to be able to give you details.”
Const Mokoena said it was important for parents and guardians to teach children some basic rules as far as safety is concerned.
“Teach them to never speak to anyone they don’t know. When hiring child minders, always conduct a background check to make sure they are clean,” she said.
National Child Protection Week is commemorated annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Children’s Act of 2005.
The theme for 2015 is Working Together to Protect Children.
In five years’ time, Const Mokoena said she sees herself heading a unit within the police service.
