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A total of 15,888 suspects were arrested nationwide in the past year in connection with crimes against children, while 2,773 were found guilty.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says these figures are part of its ongoing efforts, together with various stakeholders, to combat crimes against children and bring perpetrators to justice.
The SAPS released the figures as Child Protection Month draws to a close. The police say that this campaign has focused on awareness, prevention and targeted action in the past month to protect children from abuse, exploitation, neglect, human trafficking and other forms of violence.
The national campaign led to a dialogue session and learner engagement in Ntabankulu in the Eastern Cape, where more than 300 learners from local schools were present.
Maj. Gen. Mmantsheke Lekhele, national component head of the unit for domestic violence, child protection and sexual offences, led the proceedings. She was accompanied by Maj. Gen. Ngangema Xakavu, the Eastern Cape Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Vuyokazi Matwasa, Executive Mayor of the Ntabankulu Local Municipality, Chief MG Diko, senior SAPS management, representatives of government departments, faith-based organizations and crime prevention actors.
The dialogue gave the police, stakeholders and learners the opportunity to talk openly about the consequences of teenage pregnancy, the legal implications of sexual offenses against minors and the long-term impact these crimes have on young people’s lives and futures.
Lekhele encouraged learners to make informed choices, report abuse and speak out against criminal behaviour. She also emphasized that safe environments must be created where children are protected, supported and empowered.
The SAPS also highlighted several recent convictions and investigations:
- In Gauteng, a stepfather was sentenced on 13 May this year in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court to five life sentences and an additional 60 years in prison for rape, sexual assault, crimen injuria and possession of material in which children are sexually abused. The victim was 12 years old when the abuse began.
- In the Eastern Cape, the Domestic Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit in Humansdorp arrested a 39-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman in connection with the alleged rape of a critically ill seven-year-old girl. The alleged abuse came to light after medical staff at a provincial hospital in Gqeberha noticed signs of sexual abuse while the child was receiving treatment.
- In the Western Cape, the High Court sentenced a pedophile from Ceres to five life sentences and an additional 78 years in prison for a series of sexual offenses against two nine-year-old boys and a 16-year-old girl.
- In Limpopo, a 22-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Groblersdal Regional Court on 2 June for the rape of a 10-year-old girl in the Motetema policing area.
- In KwaZulu-Natal, the Durban Magistrate’s Court sentenced a 36-year-old man to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of raping his 12-year-old neighbor girl in 2021.
- In the Free State, the Bloemfontein Regional Court sentenced a 33-year-old mother to three life sentences and 23 years in prison. Her 36-year-old boyfriend was also given three life sentences. The two were found guilty on various charges of rape, sexual exploitation and assault in connection with the sexual abuse of the woman’s two minor daughters and another family member.
The SAPS says that although Child Protection Month is coming to an end, the protection of children remains a responsibility that applies throughout the year.
Parents, carers, teachers, communities and all sectors of society are requested to remain vigilant and report any form of abuse, neglect or exploitation of children.
