Wonderboompoort police, child helpline join hands to fight abuse
Wonderboompoort police say they are concerned over child abuse incidents that end up not being reported to the police, leading to culprits continuing their abuse freely.
Wonderboompoort police have joined hands with the founder of Child Protection Hotline, Danie van Loggerenberg, to fight child abuse in policing precinct.
This was revealed during the Wonderboompoort Child Protection Hotline official opening on Friday at the Alma School, Eloffsdal, Pretoria Moot.
“We are launching the helpline to service the whole Wonderboompoort policing precinct, which will be used to report cases related to child abuse,” Wonderboompoort police head of social crime prevention Warrant Officer Malose Chipana said.
The child protection 24-hour hotline for the area is 064 934 063.
Chipana said should, for whatever reason, the hotline not be accessible, residents may alternatively call Wonderboompoort police on 012 335 2812 or 071 111 3209.
“Residents can be assisted by either myself or Sergeant Larissa Las or other colleagues from the victim-friendly room when calling the station.”
He said child abuse was a sensitive issue in the entire country, citing that although cases in their area are low, they are of the view that it is because people do not report all cases.
“This is one of the reasons, we – police and other stakeholders – saw it necessary to launch the helpline service which is specifically aimed at protecting our children and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book. The helpline is launched for people, who are unable to reach the police station for various reasons, to reach this helpline for free.”
Chipana urged family members to refrain from closing ranks when a child has been abused or raped by a family member.
“The problem is that when, for an example, a child is sexually abused within the family some family members keep it a secret instead of reporting it to the police,” said Chipana adding that in such situations the neighbours were encouraged to report what they are aware of.
“Please residents of Wonderboompoort policing precinct do not hide these crimes, we know that they happen behind closed doors.”
Van Loggerenberg said the Wonderboompoort policing precinct Child Protection Hotline was the 189th officially opened in the country.
“Child protection helplines in various areas provide immediate support to children when they need assistance,” he said
He told guests who attended the event including private security, ambulance services, police K9 units as well as airwing that “today we are showing the children love and cure – It’s a fun day.”
As part of the launch festivities, children witnessed an MD 500 police chopper land at the school.
School principal Pietman Swanepoel said the school was honoured to host such a great initiative and the children loved it.
“I think the event means a lot for our children,” Swanepoel said.
He said it was a great experience for children to see a chopper at close range and ambulances’ blazing lights.
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