As part of the annual commemorations of Child Protection Week, the South African Police Union is calling on the government to equip the Family Violence and Sexual Offences Unit in all the country’s police stations.
The national Child Protection Week is commemorated yearly between 2 and 9 June to highlight the plight that many children in South Africa face.
On this occasion, children’s issues, including abuse, violence and rape are high on the agenda, with various organisations holding seminars or events to condemn these heinous acts against vulnerable children.
The union said it is of the view that as the battle against violence and abuse of children is huge, and a mere week of attention is not enough.
Tumelo Mogodiseng, general secretary of the union, said children should be protected 365 days in the year.
“As functionary members on the ground, we have witnessed the sad reality of the lack of personnel within the Family Violence and Sexual Offences Unit,” said Mogodiseng.
“We feel members are overloaded with cases. This compromises service delivery and that has a negative impact on the low conviction rate.”
He also calls on police management to decentralise this important unit, adding that each and every police station and a satellite police station should be empowered.
“Children are the most vulnerable and have to be protected at all costs. We can make a difference in minimising crimes against our children.”
Details: South African Police Union 079 494 7876.
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