UDEMWO

Joslin Smith, Kai-isha Meniers, Linathi Titshala, Lunamandla Sithonga and Ivakele Imvano; our missing children. Whilst little Joslin has been front and centre of our minds and prayers, Western Cape Missing Persons called for the other four Western Cape cases not to be forgotten.

The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) wholeheartedly supports this sentiment but adds: “…all the children who are missing in the entire country should receive equal attention.”

“According to the last figures released by the South African Police Service Missing Persons Bureau (SAPS) for 2013, children go missing every 5 hours. No recent statistics have been released by SAPS since 2013. Missing Children South Africa’s statistic indicates that 77% of children are found. Sadly, this still leaves us with at least 23% of the children being either never found, trafficked or found deceased.” This is according to Missing Children South Africa.”

The staggering number of missing children in South Africa, nearly 4,000, is deeply concerning. SAPS statistics, as reported last June, reveal that since 1995, a total of 3,712 children have disappeared, comprising 1,537 boys and 2,175 girls. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to address child safety and protection in our communities.

These are frightening statistics.

Our children are also at risk to be killed for witchcraft rituals and muthi in South Africa, Founder of Awareness for Child Trafficking Africa, Hilary Leong recently stated, for example the two little boys whose bodies were found mutilated in Soweto in April 2023.

UDEMWO also expresses its disgust about the allegations of a 13-year-old primary school girl, who was allegedly raped by four secondary school boys, at the Thuto Botshelo Primary school in Mahikeng in North West last month. Apparently, the perpetrators have not been apprehended! SAPS is failing this young person and her family. We call on Minister Bheki Cele to intervene immediately.

It’s indeed distressing to witness the vulnerability of children to crime in our society. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our children should be a top priority for both the government and society as a whole. It’s essential for authorities to take decisive action to address these concerns and implement measures to protect children from harm. Additionally, fostering a culture of awareness and vigilance within communities can play a crucial role in safeguarding children and preventing incidents of violence or exploitation. Collaboration between law enforcement, community organisations, and concerned citizens is key to creating a safer environment for all, especially our youngest members.

Issued by:
Ms Thandi Nontenja
UDEMWO Secretary General