Violence against children in South Africa increased towards the end of 2021 with a 30% jump in attempted murders and 352 children killed, according to figures that were released by SA Police minister Bheki Cele.
Figures for October until the end of December showed 394 children were victims of attempted murders while the number of children killed dropped by 5.6% from 2020.
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In total, 6,859 people, including 352 children, were murdered in South Africa from October to December 2021.
Save the Children CEO, Steve Miller said:
“We are appalled by these figures. They strike to the heart of every parent, every citizen. We are horrified by the senseless killing of children and the increase in attempted murders of children. Each of these children who were killed, was robbed of the chance to life and robbed of their futures. They have left grieving family and loved ones. One child murdered is one child too many.
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“Violence against children must not, cannot be tolerated. We need to work towards ensuring that no children are murdered in our country in the coming year. A 5.6% decline is not good enough.”
Save the Children called on the government to take drastic measures to create safe environments for our children.
*Save the Children News
