Brakpan youth take a stand against child abuse
Brakpan SAPS and community partners marked Child Protection Week with a march that gave local learners an opportunity to voice their concerns and hopes for safer communities.
Brakpan SAPS hosted a Child Protection Week awareness march on June 2, organised by social crime prevention and communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi in partnership with the Youth Crime Prevention Desk and supported by members of the Brakpan Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
The march started at the Brakpan Police Station and proceeded along Prince George Avenue to the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court.
A wide range of stakeholders participated in support of the initiative, including the CPF, Department of Social Development, Department of Health, Department of Social Services, Kingsway Clinic, the Far East Rand Hospital Crisis Centre, local non-profit organisations, Siyabangena Patrollers, the Greater Brakpan Scholar Transport Association, and community members.
The main participants were learners from Thandimfundo Primary School in Dalpark, accompanied by the school principal and teachers, as well as learners from Laerskool Kommando, who were led by teachers and school governing body members.
“The objective of the march was not only to commemorate National Child Protection Week but also to raise awareness about the rights of children and the importance of protecting them from abuse and neglect,” said Buthelezi.
National Child Protection Week is observed annually from May 29 to June 5.
During the event, Brakpan SAPS Vispol support head Lieutenant Colonel Pearl van Staad received a written list of requests from the children on behalf of SAPS. The document was presented after two learners, representing each school, read the requests aloud.
Following the handover at the police station, participants proceeded to the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court, where they were welcomed by the court manager, senior magistrate, prosecutor and legal representatives.
ALSO READ: VIDEO EN FOTO’S: Brakpan-Oos herdenk 90ste bestaansjaar
Law enforcement officers ensured the safe management of traffic as the learners marched to the court, chanting and singing along the route.
At the court, senior magistrate Denise Persence, supported by colleagues from the National Prosecuting Authority and the judiciary, accepted a copy of the document outlining the children’s requests.
Among the requests were calls to help keep schools and communities safe, respond swiftly when children are in danger, ensure justice for those who harm children, support anti-bullying initiatives, increase patrols around schools, create safe spaces for children to report crime, and build stronger relationships between children and law enforcement authorities.
Both SAPS and the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court welcomed the submissions and expressed appreciation for the children’s participation.
Representatives from both reaffirmed their commitment to upholding children’s constitutional rights and ensuring their safety and security.
The march concluded at the court, after which learners returned to school. According to Buthelezi, all learners arrived back safely, with no injuries or complaints reported.
