The rising number of cases where children are violated in various parts of the province is a grave cause for concern, and it suggests that more needs to be done to better protect minors.
The society must become active agents in ensuring that children are not violated by heartless individuals living among us. Failure by the society to properly care for minors is a bad reflection on the type of society that we have become.
This is according to Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Mr Jackie Macie who is reacting to reports of various incidences of sexual abuse of minors in the province.
One of the incidences took place at Arnot near Hendrina where it is alleged that a six-year-old minor was sexually violated by a 26-year-old foreign national on Thursday last week. The suspect was arrested, and he is appearing at Hendrina Magistrate’s Court today (Monday, 07 April 2025).
Another incident involves a 15-year-old female learner who was allegedly sexually assaulted in November 2024 by one of the educators in school premises in Mbombela. The investigation on the case is ongoing.
These are some of many rape cases that have been reported recently in different policing areas in the province.
MEC Macie says that these heinous crimes against children must be tackled head on, and the police should do their part by thoroughly investigating these cases to make it impossible for perpetrators to go unpunished.
“These cases require all security agencies to confront child abuse head on and to ensure that there is conviction. We are also appealing to parents and guardians to be vigilant and always know the whereabouts of their children,” says the MEC.
The MEC further calls for security agencies to treat all cases of sexual abuse the same regardless of the prominence some cases may receive. He also calls for adequate support to be provided to victims and survivors whose lives have been changed by these barbaric acts.
Furthermore, Macie calls for calm in Arnot, and various affected communities, adding that communities must work with the police, and not take matters into their own hands.
Macie also calls on those who witnesses abuse cases to come forward and testify, as this will assist in successful conviction of perpetrators.
Ends.
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.