Pupil for 7 days Parents/guardians should take responsibility
M– The Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) Communications Officer Sakhile Dlamini says it is very disturbing that a child can go missing for days without being reported as missing.
She said every child must be reported to the police when she goes missing as she has to be under parental guidance. “For her to be away and without anyone knowing where she is, is a cause for concern,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini further said parents or guardians had the responsibility to ensure that they were supportive and find out what had happened to that child. “Parents should be supportive towards their children and try to engage them to find out what was really happening and where they were in order not to expose them to harm again they should not abandon them when they need them the most,” said Dlamini. She was addressing the fact that Nontobeko’s father had refused her entry back home.
The communication officer further shared that as an organisation they had reported cases of pupils who went missing from home only to return after a day or two. She disclosed that after thorough investigation it was alleged this children were abducted, drugged and sexually violated. Dlamini said missing children did not mean they were mischievous but they can be victims of circumstances. She urged parents to ensure any missing child was reported without delay.
Naughty
Dlamini said whether you are convinced or believe your child is naughty or otherwise; parents have a responsibility over their children they cannot have time out from parenting. She said parenting comes with responsibilities.
However, Dlamini further advised that if parents had challenges they feel they could not deal with, they can seek external assistance either with the police, Social Welfare Department, the Correctional Services Department and organisations such as SWAGAA.
Dlamini said all these organisations have all the necessary skills and expertise to assist in dealing with juvenile delinquencies. “These organisations can dig dipper to the reasons behind the child’s behaviour and offer solutions that can assist the child,” said Dlamini.