MJC calls on authorities to work with communities to prevent further child abductions

The MJC is extremely dismayed and deeply concerned at the increased reports of child abductions, attempted child kidnappings, child rapes and murders within the Western and Eastern Cape.

According to the Western Cape Education Department, 13 reports of child abductions were received in less than a month, including a 9-year-old girl whose body was found in Kuilsriver. The Premier of the Eastern Cape has also reported an increased rate of child kidnappings in the province.

The MJC notes that communities are peacefully uniting to keep our children safe from harm. We, therefore, ask authorities to work with our communities and increase their patrols around schools, especially before school starts and after school is dismissed.

Now more than ever, we need decisive leadership that will result in action from the relevant authorities, and a competent justice department who works together with SAPS, to bring the perpetrators to book. These criminals must receive the harshest sentence possible.

Religious leaders are also asked to keep our children (and our vulnerable communities) in their prayers during their weekly congregation from Friday to Sunday. Only with Allah’s help will we affect positive change in our society.

Missing Persons SA provides some safety tips for parents and children on how to prevent a possible kidnapping:

  • Teach your child that they should never trust strangers; they should not accept gifts from strangers or go anywhere with them.
  • Create a family password – teach your children that when you send a person to pick them up, the person should know the password, otherwise your children should not with the person.
  • Teach your child to make a scene when they think that someone is following them.
  • Keep your children close to home and teach them the importance of the Buddy System: never go anywhere alone.

To report a missing child or to obtain more tips on how to prevent a kidnapping, please visit their website: http://missingchildren.org.za/