Child sexual abuse is uncomfortable to think about, much less talk about. The rate of sexual violence in South Africa is among the highest recorded in the world.
The Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) has issued a stark warning to all parents and guardians in Kwa-Zulu Natal to be vigilant and safeguard their children against these predators.
The warning comes shortly after a mother of two (2) primary school girls made contact with the Reaction Unit South Africa reporting that an alleged sexual predator was actively stalking children in the eThekwini area – KZN.
According to RUSA, the mother and her two daughters aged seven (7) and ten (10) years informed Reaction Officers of a male who was allegedly seen in the vicinity of a primary school (name and details of institution withheld) On Tuesday 8 October 2024.
The girls reported that the male suspect was seated in his vehicle away from the school and offered the two sisters a ride home.
“When the girls declined the suspect waited for them to walk away from the school and then drove up to them. He then asked the ten (10) year old if she had a boyfriend and if he could meet her after school the next day. When the girls continued to walk, the suspect moved his vehicle further down the road. The seven (7) year old then noticed that his pants was pulled off to his knees. Both girls then ran to their homes and reported the incident to their mother when she had returned from work. The mother, in a state of panic immediately contacted the Reaction Unit SA believing that the suspect could be targeting other children. It could not be established if the he intended on kidnapping the girls,” said a spokesperson for RUSA.
According to the description given by children, the suspect is an adult Indian male who has tattoos on his arms and a gold capping on his tooth. The girls were unable to give an estimation of the suspect’s age.
“He was driving a white Hyundai i10. It is feared that the he could target other primary schools in the Kwa-Zulu Natal area and we urge parents to be vigilant and educate their children of the dangers of these kinds of people,” said the RUSA Spokesperson.
Imraan Ghafoor of the Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team and Commander of the Community Crime Prevention Association (CCPA ) said that their members are aware of such cases which are also being reported in the Amajuba District and surrounding areas.
Speaking to Spotlight On Newcastle , Ghafoor explained that when it comes to the safety of children at schools, there are a number of safety measures that have been put in place.
“Our priority lies in the safety of our community. With regards to the many school related cases of sexual predators, bullying and gangsterism, we work diligently and tirelessly to ensure that law and order is enforced. The information given to the reaction units as well as by SAPS and victims paints a disturbing picture, particularly in light of children’s rights that are violated,” said Ghafoor.
The Crime Fighter Task Team and CCPA is urging parents and educators to be on high alert and to report any suspicious activities or any suspects fitting the description immediately to any of the following numbers:
RUSA Operations Center on 0861234333 or the SAPS on 10111.
Imraan Ghafoor 072 632 3000
He further stated that the identity of any caller would remain anonymous for the protection and safety of the individual.