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3 children murdered in S. Africa every day: report

Xinhua, September 4, 2014

• An average of three children are murdered per day in South Africa, doubling the global rate, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) revealed on Wednesday.

  While delivering a report on violence against children in South Africa to the National Assembly, SAMRC President Glenda Gray said violence against children under the age of 18 was physical, psychological and sexual in nature.

  "The violence against children is perpetuated by adults and peers and consequently resulting in suicide, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, delinquent behaviour, mental health and conduct problems," Gray said.

  The statistics drew immediate concern from the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Social Development.

  Committee Chairperson Zoleka Capa said the committee "is saddened" by the report.

  Capa acknowledged that violence against children was a huge problem in the country, and that it required the intervention of the society, especially families.

  "One wonders where the family units are when all these social ills occur to children, but the Department of Social Development has presented a comprehensive report to the Committee on how they will deal with all forms of violence against children and they also requested a substantial budget to that effect," said Capa.

  On recommendations and way forward, Capa encouraged scientists, responsible for conducting research, to also consider indigenous ways of raising a child in order to bring a holistic solution.

  "We take this report very seriously but we will interrogate it further with people like traditional healers and church leaders," she said.

  South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world, with children and women often falling victim to criminals.

  The number murder cases against children in South Africa has been on the rise over the past recent years.

  The police recorded 827 child murder cases in 2012/2013, up from 793 in 2011/2012, Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko told Parliament earlier this month.

  It is certain that there are a multitude of child murder cases that never make it to court, therefore are not included in the figure, the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) claims.

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