SAPS uplifts youngsters
The Unit also took part in Child Protection Week activities hosted in Germiston.
The Bedfordview SAPS remains committed to its obligations to uplift the community it serves.
The station recently participated in the National Child Protection Week and Take a Girl Child to Work activities.
According to the station’s spokesperson, Warrant Officer Mduduzi Nhlabathi, the station, through its Social Crime Prevention Unit, wanted to make a difference in the lives of youngsters within the policing precinct.
“As far as the Take a Girl Child to Work Day is concerned, we took youngsters to the police station’s client service centre, also known as the charge office. There we showed them what a day in the life of a police officer entails,” said W/O Nhlabathi.
The pupils came from Sizwe High School in Elandsfontein.
He said the school was struggling when it comes to discipline.
“We have had talks with the pupils on a number of occasions, so this was also our way of giving them a reality check and reminding them that if you do the crime, you will do the time,” he said.
W/O Nhlabathi said the station didn’t invite girls only for the initiative.
“We believe that every opportunity we get to influence the youth must be grabbed with both hands. It is for this reason that we also hosted boy children at the station. As we empower women we also need to empower their male counterparts,” said W/O Nhlabathi.
The Unit also took part in Child Protection Week activities hosted in Germiston.
“Children from preschools in Elandsfontein were invited to meet Clr Mondli Gungubele, the mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, to celebrate. We also formed part of the celebrations,” said W/O Nhlabathi.
He encouraged parents to build trust between themselves and their children.
“Your child should be able to open up about anything to you. If an incident of sexual assault occurs, your child must know that he or she can tell you and you will believe them,” he said.
W/O Nhlabathi said the station has a zero tolerance policy towards the abuse of children.
“We will arrest you and make sure you are sent to prison,” said W/O Nhlabathi.
