The Family and Marriage Association of South Africa (Famsa) and other stakeholders led learners from various eMbalenhle schools during a march against child abuse on Thursday, 1 June.
The marchers, mostly Grade 1 and Grade 2 learners, gathered at the eMbalenhle Community Library and marched to the eMbalenhle Police Station while they chanted: “Stop child abuse”.
Ms Bukkie from Famsa said the initiative was part of Child Protection Week and that Famsa aims at providing information to the public about the importance of child safety and zero tolerance against child abuse.
She said the Constitution protects perpetrators, while the victims are left defenseless and at the mercy of their attackers.
Reading from a memorandum, she said: “We are appealing for stricter bail for perpetrators of child abuse.
“This will ensure culprits are unable to intimidate their victims upon release and prevent possible re-offending.
“We demand the full protection of children at all the entities of the state and its departments.
“We demand that the police prioritise all gender-related crimes, especially those against children.
“No bail should be granted to those who are accused of killing and raping children to prevent them from intimidating or killing witnesses.
“Prosecutors must oppose all bail applications for gender-based violence and ensure all witnesses form part of a witness protection programme.
“Eliminate institutional secondary victimisation by courts and the justice department.”
The memorandum was received by Col Maria Sibanyoni, station commander of eMbalenhle Police Station.
Ms Eunice Skosana from Child Line urged the elderly to unite and fight against child abuse.
She said parents, especially mothers, must report any form of abuse or suspected abuse to the authorities.
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