CHILDREN’S PROTECTION EFFORTS INTENSIFY AS THOUSANDS OF OFFENDERS FACE JUSTICE

By DSD News

• More than 15 800 suspects were arrested and 2 773convicted for crimes against children across South Africa in the past year.
• SAPS and its partners used Child Protection Month to strengthen prevention, awareness and enforcement efforts against child abuse and exploitation.
• Recent convictions across six provinces demonstrate a firm commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and protecting children.

As Child Protection Month draws to a close, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children, revealing that 15 888 suspects were arrested and 2 773 convicted for crimes against children across the country over the past year.

The figures underscore ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies, government departments, civil society organisations and community structures to combat child abuse, exploitation, neglect, trafficking and other forms of violence against children.

Throughout Child Protection Month, stakeholders worked together to strengthen awareness campaigns, prevention programmes and targeted law enforcement operations aimed at safeguarding children and promoting their rights.

The national SAPS Child Protection Month campaign culminated in a dialogue and learner engagement session held on 6 June 2026 in Ntabankulu, Eastern Cape. More than 300 learners from local schools participated in the engagement, which focused on empowering young people with information and encouraging them to report abuse and seek help when needed.

The session was led by National Component Head of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele. She was joined by Eastern Cape Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Ngangema Xakavu, Executive Mayor of Ntabankulu Local Municipality Councillor Vuyokazi Matwasa, Chief MG Diko, senior SAPS officials and representatives from government departments, faith-based organisations and crime prevention structures.
The dialogue provided a platform for learners, SAPS and stakeholders to engage on issues affecting children, including teenage pregnancy, statutory rape and the long-term impact of abuse on the lives of young people.

Addressing learners, Major General Lekhele encouraged them to make informed decisions, report abuse and support efforts to create safer communities for children.

The campaign also highlighted several significant convictions secured during Child Protection Month, demonstrating the justice system’s determination to hold perpetrators accountable.