Danie van Loggerenberg, the founder of the Child Protection Hotline and author of Helde in Blou, launched the Germiston Child Protection Hotline on September 10 in Dawnview.
“Children should be laughing and playing. We urge people to report cases of rape, there is no child who deserves to be abused,” said van Loggerenberg.
“No child should have to go through this life thinking there is no justice and no help available.”
The Germiston Children Protection Hotline is led by a dedicated team that includes SAPS, attorneys, social workers and a specialist wellness counsellor.
The number
ALSO READ: Graves vandalised
In case of need, one can contact the Germiston Children Protection Hotline on 064 968 4693. The number is also available on WhatsApp.
Van Loggerenberg added that once they have been contacted they will contact SAPS and follow up with SAPS and escalate it further if needs be.
He works closely with the police and Germiston SAPS sergeants Media Khoza and Emmanuel Mngandi will be the police officers working with van Loggerenberg.
What happens when someone phones the hotline?
The numbers are SMS-, WhatsApp- and phone call-friendly. Once a call is received, the relevant organisations are contacted to assess the help needed.
“If a child fell out of a tree, we contact emergency services. If a child has been raped, we contact SAPS,” said van Loggerenberg.
If a child is in need of care, protection and assistance then the SAPS or the Department of Social Development (social workers), depending on what the situation is, will be contacted.
“If a child is being bullied at school, and is scared and hiding in the school bathroom, we contact security services and SAPS.”
The organisation will engage in school tours and educate children on their rights and educate them on safety tips and how to report cases.
Contact the newsroom by emailing:
Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za