City of uMhlathuze leads campaign to combat sexual violence
Alarming sexual abuse incidents leaves city in shock
HIGH incidents of sexual abuse against young school girls came under the spotlight when the City of uMhlathuze hosted a child abuse awareness campaign recently in Mandlazini, to encourage community members to protect and help fight crimes against children.
More than 300 girls, some as young as 12, were reportedly sexually abused by their family members or people known to them since January, from the areas of Richards Bay, Empangeni, eSikhaleni, Ngwelezana, eNseleni, Felixton, Vulindlela and other rural areas.
City of uMhlathuze Mayoress Thandeka Mhlongo and the Deputy Mayor Cllr Slondile Mkhize led the campaign, which aimed to tackle the scourge of sexual abuse head on in the city and engage with community members to protect children and report incidents of abuse.
Many primary school children are victims of sexual abuse and it is believed some of these cases were later withdrawn owing to lack of awareness on how to preserve and submit substantial evidence to authorities.
City spokesperson, Mdu Ncalane said it was sad and disturbing that these young girls have suffered abuse.
‘In most rural communities sexual abuse is considered a shame and many girls are afraid to report it.
‘All girls who have been victims of sexual abuse have been referred to health institutions for counselling and are constantly monitored.’
The city leadership and stakeholders such as non-governmental organisations, government departments, SAPS and communities pledged to enforce more concerted efforts to mitigate the scourge through increased integrated community awareness.
Ncalane said the reports indicated that children were being abused in their everyday lives, especially those perpetrated by their relatives while their parents turn a blind eye when they are being alerted to the crime.
‘Another form of abuse that young girls continue to face is ukuthwala kwezintombi where young girls are forced into sexual relations under the pretence of preparing them to marry the abusers.
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