Hon Speaker, it was recently reported in our media that there is an alarming increase in child homicides in our country, mostly perpetrated by parents or relatives. Recently, in Diepsloot, the rape and murder of two children whose bodies were found stuffed in a toilet made headlines around the country.
Children should feel safe in their own homes, yet it seems to be the place where they are most in danger.
Proactive measures need to be taken to ensure that communities and neighbourhoods are safe enough for children to play in.
Police officers must rebuild the trust in communities that has been eroded as a result of violent acts reportedly committed by some officers. When such trust has been re-established, it will be easier to bring criminals to justice.
Communities must also be helped to establish places of safety for children where they can play while their parents are at work and cannot look after them. The establishment of such places at low cost to parents will give parents the assurance that their children remain safe, especially after school. I thank you. [Applause.]