KEEP OUR CHILDREN SAFE!!
A deeply disturbing phenomenon is the increase in human trafficking in South Africa – yes, South Africa! Not only are babies targeted, but almost any child of any age and any gender. The modus operandi usually target mothers with infants in a shopping center or shop – whilst she is busy browsing or her attention is elsewhere for a split second. The perpetrators (who may have been hanging around in the vicinity for some time) snatches the child, passes it to the accomplice and they start running. By the time the mom has alerted authorities, they are long gone in a relay of running and passes to the getaway car.
Older children are targeted if they are alone in shopping malls, and often women are used as a lure to promise them a gig, a photo shoot or a job as model. Once they leave with her, they are quickly drugged, hair is shaven if it is a girl, they are left bound up and naked in toilets until the accomplice can dress them up as a different gender and leave unseen. This was confirmed by Elanie Kruger on Monday, a victim of human trafficking herself and now an advocate against these practices. (Interview on RSG POTGOOI 1 August). She tells that a child goes missing every 6 hours in this country! Various incidents in South Africa were also reported of women cruising close to athletics fields where children train after school and catching the unwary as they leave for home. If your child has to walk, let it be in groups.
It is not new to hear of date rape drugs, but teenagers and students should be terrified to learn that Leon Louw (well-known journalist for Business Day Live) inadvertently drank a glass of wine with a date rape drug in it and intended for one of his female colleagues 6 days ago. She had had the good sense to give the glass to him after being offered it from an acquaintance – this while at a highly respected conference and among people from the highest echelons of life! Leon had the presence of mind to realise what was happening, and made it to his hotel room where he could lock the door before passing out with NO recollection of the previous night. (BDLIVE).
It cannot be stressed enough that you MUST be involved in your young adult’s life by knowing where they, with whom they are, what is on their phones, with whom they are communicating on social media – even at the risk of being called a meddlesome parent. There must be a plan of action should they land in trouble and they MUST know the risks involved.
The following pointers may assist in keeping them safe:
- Never travel alone late at night
- Never walk to a car alone at night
- Never fumble for keys at the car, but have them ready in your hand
- Keep windows closed even at daytime to inconvenience car-jackers
- Have emergency numbers on speed dial
- Never ever accept open drinks
- Move in groups
- Be watchful and alert at all times
- Carry a whistle around the neck or scream to heaven if feeling unsafe
Sadly, this is the terrifying world in which we raise our children. Even the youngest of them have to be trained to avoid strangers and scream for help if they feel unsafe.