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 2023/24 (October – December 2023) crime statistics released by SAPS on 16 February 2024
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. Her mother and her mother's fiancé face charges of murder of a minor, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and rape of a minor. The case continues.
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 Botha went missing on 25 September 2022, in Paarl, Western Cape. Tragically, her body was found the following day at a local primary school. To date, no suspects have been arrested or charged in connection with her murder. In response, Action Society has lodged a formal complaint with the Western Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) Service Complaint Centre.
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.
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
When you add your name to the petition, we will keep you informed of the cases we oversee involving children.
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