Child homicide is the most extreme form of violence against children and a tragic event with serious effects on families and the community. Approximately 95 000 children are murdered each year globally.
– , et al. Child homicide perpetrators worldwide: a systematic review.
VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN IN SOUTH AFRICA
Q3 2024/25 (October – December 2024) crime statistics released by SAPS on 21 February 2025
It takes a village to raise a child
- African Proverb
There are monsters preying on our children. Not all of them are strangers, in fact, many of them have sat at your kitchen table.
We are failing our children.
Chevonne Rusch
2-Year-old Chevonne had sustained 49 injuries and bruises to her little body when she was dropped off at a clinic in Germiston. She was later pronounced deceased. Chevonne's mother, Rochelle Botha, was sentenced to 25 years in prison and her partner, Stefan van Niekerk, to two life terms for the toddler’s rape and murder, with Botha now appealing her conviction.
Bokgabo Poo
Bokgabo ‘Connie’ Poo was only four when she was abducted, raped, murdered and her little body mutilated in 2022. The alleged perpetrator was acquitted in August 2023 and some of her remains are still unaccounted for.
Mia Botha
Four-year-old Mia (“Tamia”) Botha disappeared from a playground in Paarl East in September 2022, and her body was found the next day with evidence of a brutal assault. Over three years later, no arrests have been made, the case has been handed over to the SAPS Cold Case Unit, and civil society has lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector over the police’s inaction.
Thimna Khuze
Thimna Kuze (13) was allegedly raped and killed in Taiwan on 25 March 2023. She was at a sleepover when the incident occurred. The suspect has been arrested and appeared at the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s court. Action Society is overseeing the case on behalf of Thimna’s family and demands that bail is denied.
Dylan Bothma
A 16th birthday party in Heidelberg ended in tragedy for 18-year-old Dylan Bothma. Forced to take drugs, beaten, and chased into oncoming traffic, he suffered fatal injuries. His parents found him in hospital hours before he died on 25 June 2023. Frustrated by police inaction, his family started their own investigation, suspecting the accused’s ties to the local police are stalling the case.
Every child that you encounter is your responsibility. That is what it means to be part of the village. Children are being raped, slaughtered, assaulted, abused and neglected. Where is their village?
If you neglect to report abuse or if you fail to protect or aid an abused child, you are just as guilty as the one who committed the act of violence.
GET INVOLVED
Your support brings hope to families, holds predators accountable, and helps us fight for the safety and dignity of every child. Together, we can make South Africa a place where children are safe, heard, and free from fear.
Stand up, speak out and take action!
If you suspect, or are aware of child abuse, REPORT it to your nearest police station and local social services office.
Join our petition to call for NO BAIL for child predators.
Add your name to our petition below.
When you add your name to the petition, we will keep you informed of the cases we oversee involving children.
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