Alarming crimes against children during Child Protection Week

THE National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) is deeply disturbed by recent reports of violence against children.

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It is ironic that some of the most horrific reports on crimes against children emerged during Child Protection Week, which was from May 29 to June 5.

Just this week, we have been exposed to a number of terrible media reports about the kidnapping and murder of children. NUMSA wishes to send its deepest condolences to the families of these children who have joined the ranks of millions of other victims of violence in South Africa. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families whose lives have been devastated by the loss of their children.

This week, fifty-year-old sangoma Sebokoana Khounyana appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of pre-meditated murder and child trafficking of two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba.

It is alleged the sangoma and the child's mother, Kuneuwe Portia Shalaba, murdered the little girl on November 10 last year. Kutlwano's mother has also been charged with premeditated murder.

On Sunday the body of 14-year-old Likhona Fose was found after she had been reported missing by her family in Braamfischerville. Her mutilated body was discovered in a nearby open field.

Her killers have not yet been found.