30 Aug 2016

There was a lot of secrecy and denial on sexual abuse of children in the traditional set up as families wanted to protect their names and reputation.

This was revealed by Mr Leshono Sebati, a quest speaker at the march against abuse of minors held in Kanye on Saturday.

Mr Sebati, who is also a motivational speaker, said children who by definition required the guardianship and care of adults, were among the most vulnerable and innocent victims of crimes.

He said crimes against children included physical and emotional abuse; neglect and exploitation were a concern.

Sadly, she said, the society tended to sympathise with perpetrators, forgetting the victim.

Mr Sebati says cases of sexual abuse particularly of children and subsequent cover-ups committed have led to numerous allegations, investigations, trials and convictions.

He said on the other hand he said it was disheartening that some parents tended to blame young girls who were sexually abused by older men, suggesting that they just threw themselves to these older men.

Dr Lemogang Kwape agreed that the country should formulate laws which will effectively guard against sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

He said there were some laws including Children’s Act protecting minors from sexual abuse by older people, it seemed these legislative pieces were not effective enough and as such said all concerned stakeholders should go to the drawing boards to close the gaps. ENDS