Over 240 children seperated from caregivers over New Year's weekend

The Western Cape’s Social Development Department has expressed concern over the number of children being spererated from their parents or guardians at public beaches.

Over 240 children were separated from their families over this past long weekend and many of these were in high traffic areas, like Monwabisi, Mnandi, Camps Bay, Strandfontein, Muizenberg and Strand beaches. Many of these incidents occurred in Strand.

MEC Sharna Fernandez condemned the incidents, describing it as unacceptable, adding that these places children in extreme danger.

‘’Worryingly, this happens every year. The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) urges parents, guardians, and adults to keep a close eye on children when they are in public spaces, especially congested places like beaches. Let us ensure children are safe and protected at all times.’’

‘’This is unacceptable and places children in extreme danger. Fortunately, DSD social workers and City of Cape Town staff were able to reunite most of the young ones with their families. Some children who were not collected timeously had to be placed in places of safety. As per legislation, the parents/guardians had to follow legal processes to be reunified with their children,’’ she added.

‘’It is the responsibility of caregivers to ensure minors in their groups are always under a watchful eye while at the beach, so everyone can leave together in the same way they arrived,’’ concluded Sharna Fernandez, Western Cape’s Social Development MEC.

Fernandez urged caregivers to approach law enforcement officers, should they not find their child.

 

Done By: Mitchum George