| 2024/05/30 |
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Media Statement BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State Family, Child and Sexual Offences Unit observes Child Protection Week. The National Child Protection Week in South Africa is an event to raise awareness of children’s rights as they’re set out in the Constitution. This year, the campaign was brought forward due to the national elections and will be commemorated under the theme: “Protecting South African Children, 30 years on”. There are 18 units situated in the Free State, as well as a provincial SECI (Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation Unit) and the Forensic Social Workers component. These units are serving all 111 police stations in the Free State and members are available and on standby 24/7 to render a service to victims of sexual offenses and children. Brigadier Herna Els, the Provincial Head of FCS, confirms that these crimes must be addressed on a multidisciplinary level. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to the nearest police station or, in the case of learners, to a teacher or social worker at school who will assist them in referring the case to the SAPS. The only way to stop perpetrators is to report these crimes and give full disclosure. This will help victims receive the necessary assistance and counselling and turn them into victors. It is the only way to break the vicious cycle of abuse. There are many cases where minors are the perpetrators. Reporting incidents also helps identify the reasons why children commit crimes and get them the assistance they need. In the timeframe of October 2023 to March 2024, 220 perpetrators were sentenced to 1313 years of imprisonment in the Free State. This excludes 25 life sentences and the sentence of Mario Gutsi, who was convicted of 1010 charges that include rape, sexual assault, manufacturing, possession and distribution of child pornography. Gutsi is serving a sentence of 6548 years. For the time frame of April to May, another nine life sentences were added. The Deputy Provincial Commissioner of Crime Detection in the Free State, Major General Apaphia Modise, applauded the units for their hard work. “I encourage the community not to keep quiet about offenses against children in their community, especially as we observe Child Protection Week from 29 May to 5 June 2024. Reporting crimes against children is crucial to protect their safety, ensure justice and provide necessary support. It helps prevent further abuse, holds perpetrators accountable and raise awareness to safeguard vulnerable children in our community,” said Maj Gen Modise. Ends
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