Rape is the most prevalent crime against children in South Africa. According to Statistics South Africa, almost 40% of all reported crimes against children are rape cases. Girls carry the heaviest burden: more than 90% of victims of reported child rapes are female.

Children are not only vulnerable in their teenage years. Households with children aged 0–6 years record the highest rates of murder and sexual offences. In fact, 45% of households with children in South Africa have experienced violence against children.

This is the true cost of secrecy and weak policies. Offenders hide in plain sight, often known to the child or family. Some, like the 51-year-old Hanover Park parolee who had already been convicted of sexually assaulting a child before raping again, are repeat offenders who should never have had access to children.

Meanwhile, in countries like the USA and UK, parents can check public registers or even receive notifications if a sex offender moves into their neighbourhood. South African parents have no such protection. Instead, our laws protect offenders’ privacy — while our children are left defenceless.