The Randfontein police continued its Child Protection Week campaign, reaching several early childhood development centres in a concerted effort to raise awareness about children’s rights and safety.

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The week-long initiative, led by Social Crime Prevention Co-ordinator Sergeant Portia Mabala, saw officers and various stakeholders engaging directly with young children and caregivers at various institutions. On June 1, the campaign kicked off at Gugu Day Care Centre in Dan Tloome, followed by a visit to Horeb Kids in Randfontein on Tuesday.

Midweek activities took place at Restoration Edu-Care in Hillside, where police members, Department of Health representatives and West Rand District Municipality personnel continued to educate learners on personal safety and the importance of speaking out against abuse. The outreach then moved to Annatjie Pre-School in Randfontein on June 4, before concluding at Happiness Day Care Centre in Oasis Manor on Friday, June 5.

Throughout the campaign, officers used age-appropriate methods to communicate key messages about children’s rights, responsibilities, and protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The sessions also encouraged children to identify trusted adults and report any form of harm or discomfort.

Mabala emphasised the importance of early education in building safer communities, noting that empowering children with knowledge is a critical step in preventing crime and abuse.

The initiative forms part of the police’s broader commitment to safeguarding vulnerable groups and fostering partnerships with schools, caregivers, and the community to ensure that children grow up in safe and supportive environments.