AWARENESS PROJECT: PUBLIC VIGILANCE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGAINST CHILD S*XUAL ABUSE

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Jun 13
6 min read

Updated: Jun 18

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While Child Protection Week is a significant opportunity to raise awareness about the safety and well-being of children,

the responsibility to protect South Africa’s youth extends far beyond a single week each year.

Specialised Security Services (SSS) remains steadfast in its commitment to this ongoing mission, continuously implementing measures to ensure the safety of children year-round. With a range of projects already posted to forewarn and educate,

SSS is dedicated to making child protection a priority every day.

Please read the most recent projects:

Mr. Mike Bolhuis, a renowned expert in safety and security and a committed advocate for society’s most vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly, is frequently sought after by the media for his expert insights.

Listen to a recent interview here:

https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/interview-with-mike-bolhuis-inx-prime

BLOUBERGSTRAND, 10 JUNE 2025:

In a deeply disturbing case that has shaken the community, a 47-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man were arrested in Bloubergstrand, Western Cape, on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, for the alleged s*xual abuse of their two daughters, aged three and eight.
The arrests follow an extensive investigation led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in collaboration with the Western Cape and National Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Units, the Department of Social Development (DSD), and international partners including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The suspects face multiple charges, including:
- Production of child s*xual abuse material.
- R*pe.
- S*xual assault.
- S*xual gr**ming.
The two young victims have been rescued and placed in a secure place of safety, where they are receiving the necessary care and support.
Electronic devices were seized during the arrest, and forensic analysis is ongoing.

WHY PUBLIC AWARENESS AND VIGILANCE MATTER:

This tragic case is a reminder that child s*xual abuse can occur in any community, even behind seemingly ordinary doors.
It is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant, report suspicions, and support both prevention and response efforts.

WHAT AUTHORITIES ARE DOING TO FIGHT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE:

Authorities in South Africa, together with international partners, are using advanced investigative techniques to identify offenders who exploit children.
This includes:
- Monitoring online activity linked to child exploitation.
- Joint operations with international law enforcement.
- Placing rescued children into safe care and initiating trauma support.
- Prosecuting offenders to the fullest extent of the law.

HOW THE PUBLIC CAN KEEP CHILDREN SAFE:

REPORT ANY SUSPICIONS:
- If you suspect a child is being abused or exploited:
  - Call the SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
  - Send an anonymous tip-off via the MySAPS app.
  - Contact Childline SA at 08000 55 555 (24/7 support).
  - Contact Mr. Mike Bolhuis for immediate intervention.
BE ALERT TO WARNING SIGNS:
- Sudden behavioural changes in children (withdrawal, aggression, fear).
- Inappropriate knowledge of s*xual behaviour.
- Adults overly interested in children or isolating them from others.
- Secretive internet use or hidden devices in the home.
EDUCATE AND EMPOWER:
- Discuss body autonomy and safe boundaries with children.
- Monitor children’s online activity and be aware of the apps they use.
- Teach children how to ask for help and identify safe adults.

EXAMPLE CASE: MISSING JOSHLIN SMITH

As of now, no official reports or reliable investigative findings have been released to the public confirming specific tell-tale warning signs before Joshlin Smith's disappearance.

However, based on available public information, certain concerning patterns and red flags might have indicated a risk, especially in retrospect.

POTENTIAL WARNING SIGNS BASED ON PUBLIC REPORTS AND PATTERNS SEEN IN SIMILAR CASES:

KNOWN HISTORY OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT:
- Joshlin's stepfather, who was arrested in connection with her death, had a criminal record.
- There were allegations of domestic issues and possible substance abuse in the household.
- If teachers or caregivers observed visible signs of physical or emotional distress, such as bruises, withdrawal, anxiety, or changes in behaviour, these would have been red flags.
SUDDEN CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR:
- Children who become quiet, withdrawn, aggressive, or fearful, especially around certain adults, may be reacting to abuse or trauma.
- It is unclear if such changes were observed in Joshlin, but teachers and caregivers are often in a position to notice these.
UNEXPLAINED ABSENCES OR LATE REPORTING:
- Joshlin was reportedly last seen on 19 February 2024, but she was only reported missing a few days later.
- Delays in reporting a child missing, especially by caregivers, can be a critical warning sign of foul play or neglect.
HOUSEHOLD INSTABILITY:
- Reports indicated that Joshlin was sometimes left with adults who may not have been capable of properly caring for her.
- Signs of instability, frequent changes in who looks after a child, or being seen in risky environments, are potential flags.
COMMUNITY RUMOURS AND CONCERNS:
- In some cases, neighbours or extended family may have noticed signs or even expressed concern, but fears of being wrong, cultural barriers, or lack of knowledge about how to act can prevent timely intervention.
  - Since the start of the trial in March, witnesses, including the girl’s former teacher and a pastor, said that Smith had told them of the planned sale of her child as far back as 2023.

WHAT COULD HAVE HELPED:

More proactive child welfare checks, especially in households known to social services.
Teacher and caregiver vigilance, paired with proper reporting protocols when neglect or abuse is suspected.
Empowered community action, including anonymous tip-offs to social workers or police when something seems "off."

While hindsight often brings clarity, it is essential not to blame individuals who may not have had access to the full picture.

Before Joshlin’s disappearance, the public's perception of Kelly (Racquel) Smith was surprisingly sympathetic and compassionate, though it became complex once darker details emerged.

Neighbours and friends described her as raising "lovable children" and doing her best amid hardship. One former employer said, "I felt sorry for Kelly … in her weakness she was a good mother to her children" (people.com+15sabcnews.com+15citizen.co.za+15).
Her ex-employer, Carlien ("Auntie Carlien"), echoed this sentiment: "Kelly has lovely children, and she raised her children well" (sabcnews.com+2timeslive.co.za+2theherald.co.za+2).
Another longtime acquaintance described Kelly as a "caring mother," despite her struggles.
Social workers and testimonies confirmed Kelly had a known history of drug addiction, even during pregnancies, leading to previous interventions and the temporary removal of her children (iol.co.za+7ewn.co.za+7ewn.co.za+7).
Grandmother and social service records from as early as 2016 flagged neglect and threats toward her first child.
She had undergone rehab and stayed in a women’s shelter, indicating attempts to confront her addictions (timeslive.co.za).

That said, Joshlin’s case tragically underscores how essential it is for adults, family, teachers, neighbours,

to act quickly on any concern, even if it feels small.

The SAPS, private security companies such as Specialised Security Services, and their partners are

committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

But they cannot do it alone.

Your vigilance, reporting, and support can prevent abuse, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeBolhuisOfficial

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

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POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv