The Benoni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit’s (FCS) commander, Lieutenant Colonel
Cecile Veldman, appeals to parents of teenagers to openly discuss initiation practices in their cultures.

“Traditional initiation practices for boys from between 14 and 17 years annually start from May, with girls often
making the journey to initiation schools from June,” said Veldman.

“Unit members have been involved in several investigations since the beginning of the month.  They are following allegations by teenagers’ parents that recruiters took their children without parental consent or contrary to family cultural beliefs. Some claimed their children were taken to schools in Soshanguve against their will.”

However, she said investigations had revealed that the teens had willingly accompanied the recruiters despite not
culturally submitting to the practice.

“These teens admitted to investigating officers that they gave in to peer pressure, curiosity or in rebellion to their
family’s customs and traditions,” she said.

“We urge parents to engage in open and honest conversations with their children regarding initiation practices. We are aware that many unregistered schools prey on ill-informed youngsters, which could potentially put them in harm’s way.”

She reiterated that there was no waiting period for reporting a missing person.

“If a loved one fails to return home, immediately report it to your local police station,” she said.

“No police officer can prevent you from opening a missing persons docket.”

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