Staff Reporter
The South African Police Service in the Northern(SAPS) appeals to communities to break the silence about statutory rape by working together with law enforcement agencies in safeguarding children through reporting sexual exploitation and abuse.
Statutory rape occurs when an adult engages in sexual activities with a child who is under the legal age of consent, irrespective of whether the child consented or not. In South Africa, the age of consent is 16 years.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the SAPS remains concerned about the increasing number of cases involving young victims.
Litabe explained that children are often manipulated, coerced or groomed by older individuals.
“Such acts constitute serious criminal offences and perpetrators will face the full might of the law,” he said.
Parents, guardians, educators and community members are encouraged to openly engage with children about their safety, monitor their wellbeing and immediately report any suspected abuse or exploitation to the nearest police station.
“Specialised units within the SAPS, including the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Units, continue to investigate cases involving sexual offences against minors to ensure that justice is served and victims receive the necessary support.”
Anyone with information relating to sexual offences against children is urged to contact the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or report information anonymously via the MySAPS App.
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