Holidaying parents warned, ‘losing’ children while partying will be an offence
Last year, more than 700 children went missing on the Durban beachfront during the holiday season.
FILE PICTURE: Durban SAPS AirWing took this aerial image of the visibly busy beaches crowded with beach-goers in December, 2016. Photo: Facebook
Parents and guardians who conveniently “lose” children so that they can carry on partying during the December holidays will be charged for neglecting and abandoning them.
National police commissioner General Khehla Sitole said this in a pre-December holiday safety statement.
“Parents and caretakers of children, especially young children will be charged in terms of the Children’s Act, 38 of 2005 if they neglect or abandon their children as it has been a tendency over the festive season for some parents to conveniently ‘lose’ their children to partake in festive season activities and leave their children abandoned or unattended to.”
Last year, more than 700 children went missing on the Durban beachfront from December 22 to 26 and they were later reunited with their families.
This was despite the issuing of 36 517 armbands, containing details to help unite the little ones with their loved ones if they were lost.
The police also launched an app to report criminal activity anonymously or to find the nearest police station.
Police Minister Bheki Cele said the MySAPS App would see police team up with technology to rid the streets of criminality.
“This app aims to bring communities closer to government services by a touch a button. It also encourages anonymous tip-offs from members of the public who can assist with crime fighting and for quicker responses to lawlessness committed,” he said in a statement.
Incidents reportable this way include corruption, drug-related crimes, theft or human trafficking.
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