CHILDREN were urged to never remain silent and immediately report incidences of their abuse, at a Child Protection Week commemoration attended by various stakeholders, including the Pinetown SAPS.

Parents and society at large were also encouraged to protect and promote children’s rights, including their right to education.

Speaking at the commemoration held at Wyebank Library last Thursday, the chairperson of the area’s Ward committee, Sbani Ndlela, said in light of Child Protection Week, the country’s criminal justice system should be applauded for the commendable work it has done in the Joshlin Smith court matter, in which a verdict was handed down last week.

@caxtonlocalmedia Law enforcement agencies and community organisations led a Child Protection Week march in Wyebank. #highwaymail #caxtonlocalmedia #childprotectionweek ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia

Ndlela said Joshlin’s case is how matters where children are victims should be handled.

Nombuso Mpanza from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) cautioned the children about child pornography, which she said is worryingly increasing.

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Mpanza further advised parents and teachers to be aware of and keep an eye out for different forms of violations and abuse, such as an adult indecently exposing themselves to a child, and added that children should report such because it is a crime.

The vetting of potential employees at crèches and schools as well as other service providers who work with children, like learner transporter drivers, is important to ensure they do not have criminal records for a sexual offence and are not on the national register for sex offenders, said Mpanza.

Mpanza added that children who are victims of sexual violations should be taken to Thuthuzela Care Centres where multipronged help services are available.

Pinetown SAPS’s Sergeant Sboniso Shezi encouraged children to ensure they report their abuse and violations to the police and pointed out that stations have victim friendly rooms which ensure privacy for those reporting such matters.

Shezi further explained that at such rooms a number of services are provided, including those by LifeLine social workers.

“To parents, if a breadwinner abuses a child, they must be arrested – do not encourage silence or resolve the matter through the payment of a fine like a goat. Children, such should not happen when you have reported a case; if you are told to be silent because this will cause embarrassment to the family, call 10111 or report the matter to your nearest police station,” said Shezi.

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