Keep your children safe this school holiday
“Parents must know the whereabouts of their children at all times. Children must know how to contact their parents, SAPS or another close relative in an emergency.”
With yesterday (Thursday) being the last day of school of the first term, parents are urged to ensure that their children are safe during the two week long break.
Bronkhorstspruit police said they were concerned about reported cases of missing children and cautioned parents.
Police spokesperson Constable Munyadziwa Ramovha said parents needed to be familiar with their children’s daily routines so as to know when something might be out of the ordinary in their schedule.
“Parents must know the whereabouts of their children at all times.
“Children must know how to contact their parents, SAPS or another close relative in an emergency,” she said.
“They must be taught to refrain from accepting gifts from strangers.
“Listen to your children. Pay attention if they tell you they do not want to be with someone or go somewhere.”
On Wednesday a 24/7 child protection hotline was launched at Bronkhorstspruit police station where people can SMS, WhatsApp and call, to report child abuse, neglect, bullying and trafficking.
The hotline, founded by Toys for Africa CEO Danie van Loggerenberg, has been making its mark in various parts of Pretoria since 2019.
Many areas have their own line, but in an event an area does not have a number, residents are still urged to contact any available Child Protection number.
Bronkhorstspruit station commander Colonel Maqhawe Dhladhla said he was looking forward to a good working relationship with Child Protection Hotline and encouraged parents and children to use the contact service.
The hotline services are available to the public free of charge.
Child Protection Hotline:
– Bronkhorstspruit: 079 378 0861
– Pretoria West: 072 683 9856
– Hammanskraal: 079 092 2570
– Pretoria east: 060 562 8043
– Centurion: 071 192 0569
– Pretoria central: 060 808 2261
Munyadziwa gave the following tips on child safety:
– Children must know to always keep all entrances and gates to their home closed and locked, and that nobody is allowed to enter without permission from a parent.
– Children must be taught how to activate and deactivate the alarm system and other security devices.
– Practice basic safety skills with your children.
– Do not let children wear clothing or carry items that bear their names in public.
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