Child murders inquiry: two views
First, let’s be certain – then set up a commission, says premier
WE HAVE noted reports about the proposed commission of inquiry, by various NGO groups, into child killings in the Western Cape.
The NGOs in question have not been fully frank on the outcome of a recent meeting with the premier. Given the gravity of the recent tragedies, everyone, including the media, needs to stick to the facts.
On May 24 Premier Helen Zille met representatives from several NGOs at their request. At this meeting, various concerns were raised and a call made for the establishment of a commission of inquiry into child killings.
During the deliberations, several key points emerged:
A lot is already known about the circumstances in which child murders occur. The perpetrator is usually a person known to the child, often living in the same dwelling or close by, and usually a substance abuser. The exceptional difficulty of policing the actions of people who know each other, within the context of a private home, was discussed.
Before determining whether a commission of inquiry would help us with additional information in dealing with child murders, the meeting agreed that a preliminary investigation would be undertaken into six cases, identified by the NGOs who agreed to revert and motivate six separate incidents. They have not done so. Instead they have stated publicly that the premier refused to establish a Commission of Inquiry. This is not so.
A preliminary investigation is necessary to help determine the precise terms of reference for a commission, should there be an agreement to establish one. Without this work we cannot justify the cost of establishing a commission, which will take months to be established and to complete its work, with clear findings and recommendations. A task team of relevant experts, undertaking a preliminary investigation of six cases, could be established quickly and start work immediately.
The outcome of the analysis of a sample of cases would possibly reveal the common denominators in incidents of violence against children.
This would form a basis for SAPS, government and the NGOs to work with. If it is felt that a Commission of Inquiry could unearth further information or add value to our efforts to prevent repeat tragedies, this can be considered. Representatives from the NGOs agreed to consult with their organisations on the task team proposal and revert. We have not heard from them since. Instead, we have noted persistently one-sided and inaccurate reports.
At every stage, our government has co-operated in good faith, especially given the gravity of these incidents. We remain committed to working with all interested parties to ensure a safe environment for all our children in the province. Our support to children and families is the largest single item in our Social Development Department’s annual budget, and this year our programmes for children and families received R651.5 million.
This stretches closer to R1 billion when one includes the staff and operations required to carry out child protection, investments in child justice and children with disabilities.
We provide funding and support to approximately 420 NGOs working in the ECD, Child and Youth Care Centres, dropin centres that render critical child protection services, and a range of therapeutic services rendered by social workers. The net cast by these services is wide, both from the perspective of our own services rendered through six regional offices and 40 local offices across the province.
We believe a holistic approach is required in dealing with this scourge. Families, civil society, government, SAPS and other bodies all have a role to play in the fight. We also call on members of the public to remain vigilant at all times.
Mpofu is spokesperson for Premier Helen Zille.
DURING THE DELIBERATIONS, SEVERAL KEY POINTS EMERGED