The founder and the principal of Young Harvest preschool and day care centre in Mthatha, Pinkie Macingwane, pleaded with parents to ensure that they keep their children protected at all times.
She said in the area of Mthatha West, they have a problem of children who are roaming the streets and this led her to opening this preschool, with the aim of protecting them. Macingwane said they had a lot of challenges, including crime.
“We appeal to police members to visit us and educate young kids about the problems that are facing children, especially when it comes to crime and human trafficking,” said Macingwane. She suggested visiting all the preschools in Chris Hani, Slovo Park and Mandela areas.
She added that, in her WhatsApp groups, she had advised parents to ensure that they protect their children and stop sending them to nearby shops, to avoid this problem.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, said OR Tambo district did not necessarily have incidents of human trafficking, but did have a sizable number of missing children.
“These particular incidents are problematic in our quest for crime-free communities. As such we are making an earnest plea to all families to look after their children, especially during the festive season holidays, said Kinana.
