Child protection highlighted at Berea SAPS awareness day

THE community park on Essenwood Road was a hive of activity as Berea SAPS hosted their crime awareness day together with Berea Community Policing Forum, Metro Police, the eThekwini Fire Department and various security companies.

The event, on Saturday, June 4, saw stakeholders come together at the event to highlight issues around gender-based violence and Child Protection Week.

Spokesperson for Berea SAPS Captain Poobalan Naidoo called on parents, guardians, caregivers and members of society to contact the SAPS for assistance if they suspect a child is a victim of abuse.

“It’s the duty of all of us to take care of children in our society,” he said.

Naidoo said there are several signs that indicate a child is being abused, including marks or bruises and changes in behaviour.

“If a child is withdrawn, it could also indicate abuse. It is important to report this as soon as possible. Berea SAPS will assign a social worker and get the child medical treatment if needed,” said Naidoo.

The theme for this year’s Child Protection Week was: Let us protect children during Covid-19 and beyond.

ALSO READ: Berea SAPS nab armed robbers

Saturday’s crime awareness day included a host of stands at Berea Park.

“The Station Commander, Col MI Mngadi, spoke to the community, encouraging them to get involved with crime community structures and to join the SAPS’s fight against crime. Together, they can do so much more. He also offered an open-door policy to his community,” said Naidoo.

ALSO READ: SAPS recover drugs worth R850 000 in Umbilo home

Drum majorettes from Gordon Road Primary School Steel Drum Band were also spotted at the event, and there was an SAPS Explosives Unit demonstration, dog show and stand-up comedian.

Don’t miss this week’s Berea Mail to see more photos from the event.

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