Children at risk of abduction in South Africa this festive season

The festive season is at our doorstep once again – and children continue to be at risk.

National Child Protection CEO Danie Loggerenberg has provided readers with tips to keep children safe.

Loggerenberg said the belief that only children from wealthy families were targets for abduction was furthest from the truth.

“Children are abducted and trafficked, sold on the human trafficking market to do work as young brides, and for their blood or body parts.

“Unfortunately, South Africa has become an international hub for child trafficking. The idea that only the children of the rich and famous are stolen for ransom is very far from the truth.”

Loggerenberg said during this time of the year, it was vitally important for parents to always know where their children were.

“Do not leave your children alone at home. If you have no choice, please check with them every 20 minutes as a minimum. Make sure they know where the panic buttons are.

“Please do not let your children spend hours and hours at a shopping centre. Do not let your children walk in the streets.”

He said his organisation was on high alert as many schools were preparing for the holidays and the end of the final examinations.

Loggerenberg said parents shouldn’t leave their children by themselves at home for a long time, stressing that they shouldn’t be allowed to organise their own playdates, walk alone in shopping centres, or to and from their friends’ homes.

Communication is crucial and parents must know where their children are at all times. If your child is going to a friend, speak to the parents to find out if they would be at home.

“Make sure you have the contact details of the friend and their parents. If possible, meet the parents before you trust them with your children,” he emphasised.

The agency also listed some dont’s for parents these coming holidays:
– Do not give your child access to too much cash or a credit card. This makes them a target.
– Do not let your child drive somewhere through a person ordered by an app (like Uber).
– Monitor your children’s online behaviour, especially their social media interactions.

What children should know:
– The personal details of their parents or guardians, such as full name, address and phone number, including those of close relatives.
– Emergency numbers: Police 10111 or Childline 116 (toll-free).
– Encourage them to scream “HELP!” when in danger.
– That keeping harmful secrets or threats to themselves is dangerous.
– To run in the opposite direction from a strange car travelling towards them if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
– To keep all doors and windows locked when at home alone.
– When separated from a parent or guardian in a store or shopping mall, go to an adult wearing a store uniform or cashier for help immediately.

What children should avoid:
– Walking or playing alone outside or in public places.
– Walking too close to strangers and strangers’ cars, even if the stranger seems friendly.
– Accepting gifts from strangers.
– Giving out any personal information online, including instant messages, chatrooms, blogs, or personal websites.

According to Child Protection, more than 95% of all children receive messages from strangers on WhatsApp, which means that about 1, 5 million kids have over the last few years received messages from strangers.

In case of emergency or for any other assistance, parents and children are advised to call the National Child Protection Hotline number on 076 900 7151, or log on to the website, www.childprotection.co.za where all their area numbers are available.

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