‘Peace Corps must say sorry’

THE head of the Umvoti Aids Centre, Joan Dutton, said today that she was extremely relieved that Osmun had pleaded guilty to unforgivable acts.

“I am so glad this case is almost over. He needs to be put away for a long, long time. He is a danger to society and should not be allowed to hurt another child again.

“In light of this incident, I believe the Peace Corps needs to conduct security checks on its volunteers. It is difficult sometimes to detect paedophiles, but these checks could be a deterrent for people like Osmun.

“We are still traumatised by what has happened. Everyone is still in counselling. It has been a long and difficult road and it will be a while before we can trust volunteers with our children again.”

The centre is an NGO that does home-based care for adults and children. It also supports more than 85 Aids orphans, vulnerable children and child-headed households.

“We visit them in their villages and supply them with food parcels and other necessities. We also make sure the children go to school.”

Dutton said she was also saddened by the fact that she had not heard a word from the Peace Corps since Osmun’s arrest.

“I feel very hurt that they have not communicated with me. I also need reparation. They need to tell me they are sorry for what happened.”

Four of the five children are still in Dutton’s care.

“One of the children has started school. The other four still attend creche. These children are the poorest of the poor. It has been tough for them. But with regular counselling and our support they will get back on track.”