Tragic start to Child Protection Week
Child Protection Week in South Africa got off to a horrific start on Monday with the murder of little Sadia Sukhraj in Shallcross, near Chatsworth - south of Durban.
The 9-year-old girl was shot dead after her father's car was stolen in Himalaya Drive. Sadia's death sparked anger in the community - and saw thousands of people wearing orange to work and school yesterday to raise awareness against gun violence in KZN as part of the #StandUpForSadia campaign.
In a week that is meant to mobilise society to stand up for the rights and protection of children local and national news was dominated by little Sadia's tragic death.
The shooting incident thrust escalating crime levels into the spotlight with the province's top brass including Police Minister Bheki Cele and provincial MEC's meeting with the grief stricken Sukhraj family during the course of the week.
A man was also arrested for allegedly raping an 8-year-old Verulam girl this week. The IFP Youth Brigade issued a statement yesterday saying more needs to be done to assist families and communities to care for their children.
It says crime targeting and affecting children is placing future generations at risk.