AWARENESS PROJECT: STOP S*XUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN IN SOUTH AFRICA
- wesleyvosza
- Apr 30
- 10 min read
Updated: May 5
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The ongoing violence against children in South Africa remains out of hand and is often too harrowing to comprehend.
Physical, s*xual and emotional abuse of children is a significant problem in South Africa,
with severe adverse outcomes for victims.
The r*pe of an infant, toddler or child is an extremely brutal act.
Child Maltreatment:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines child maltreatment as:
“All forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, s*xual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity
in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.”
With regards the latest and horrendous case regarding Hugo Ferriera who r*ped his 8-day-old daughter, South Africans has once again been faced by the deplorable state of our nation:
This tragic incident highlights a broader issue of violence against children in South Africa.
According to the Democratic Alliance, over 106,000 r*pe cases and 22,000 s*xual assault cases involving children were reported over the last six financial years.
In the 2022/2023 period alone r*pe accounted for 38.3%.
Additionally, between October and December 2023, 285 children were murdered and 2,707 survived attempted murder, assault, or grievous bodily harm.
During 2022/2023, approximately 53,500 individuals reported being victims of s*xual crimes.
Of these, around 80% were rape cases and close to 7,500 were s*xual assaults.
A total of 11,240 children in South Africa were reported as victims of select contact crimes.
(These statistics are sourced from Stats SA and released on 26 September 2024.)
Contact crimes refer to offences where the victim is directly targeted through violence, threats of violence, or the use of force. In some cases, property may also be targeted in the commission of these crimes.
This category includes any form of physical assault on individuals, including children, such as:
Slapping, pushing, or hitting.
Biting or scratching.
Burning with a cigarette, lighter, or other hot objects.
Shaking or violently handling a child.
Contact crimes are classified as serious offences due to their direct physical and psychological impact on victims.
In the case of children, these crimes are particularly concerning as they constitute child abuse and can have long-term physical and emotional consequences.
According to the statistics for 2024/2025 for the 1st quarter released by the SAPS, the following:
Murder: INCREASE of 7,2%.
Attempted murder: INCREASE of 19.8%.
Assault GBH: INCREASE 11,5%.
Sources:
These figures highlight the urgent need for strengthened child protection measures and proactive community interventions to prevent and address such horrific crimes.
The reality is that far too many children fall victim to unthinkable violence, and the lasting trauma for those who survive becomes a lifelong sentence - one that no child should ever have to endure.
The current state of the South African judicial system only exacerbates this crisis.
Overloaded case dockets, dilapidated court infrastructure - where some courts lack basic necessities like electricity and running water - and a massive backlog of cases prolong victims' suffering and hinder their path to justice.
Even when perpetrators are arrested, lenient sentences fail to reflect the severity of their crimes, leaving survivors and their families feeling abandoned by the system.
Mr. Mike Bolhuis and Specialised Security Services take crimes against vulnerable children with the utmost seriousness.
SSS refuse to turn a blind eye to these brutal and unforgivable acts.
The team is committed to assisting anyone who is afraid to step forward, whether they have experienced or witnessed any form of child abuse. No child should suffer in silence, and we stand ready to help bring perpetrators to justice.
PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION ARE KEY:
1. Do not leave your baby, toddler or child with an untrustworthy person.
2. Do not leave your baby, toddler or child with someone who tends to misuse alcohol or drugs.
3. Do not leave your baby, toddler or child with someone who is apathetic or depressed.
4. Do not leave your baby, toddler or child with someone who seems harsh when it comes to discipline.
5. It is the parents' or primary caregiver’s responsibility to protect their children! Have a trustworthy support system.
WHO ARE THE ABUSERS?
In the vast majority of cases, child s*xual abusers are known to their victims.
They often hold positions of trust within the child's life, making the abuse even more devastating and difficult to detect.
Studies and reports indicate that family members are frequently the primary perpetrators.
These include fathers, stepfathers, uncles, older brothers, nephews and grandfathers.
However, sexual abusers are not limited to male family members. Female perpetrators - such as mothers, aunts, older sisters, or caregivers - are also responsible for cases of child sexual abuse, though these cases are less frequently reported.
Beyond family, trusted authority figures also pose a significant risk.
Many cases involve teachers, coaches, religious leaders, community leaders, neighbours and family friends, babysitters or domestic workers.
Shockingly, some child abusers operate in organised networks, engaging in child exploitation and trafficking, making it even more difficult for victims to seek help.
Because perpetrators are often individuals whom the child trusts and depends on, children may feel too scared, ashamed, or powerless to report the abuse.
Threats, manipulation, and grooming tactics are commonly used to silence victims.
The harsh reality is that child s*xual abuse in South Africa is widespread but often hidden.
REASONS WHY CHILD ABUSE IS NOT ADDRESSED OR REPORTED TO THE AUTHORITIES:
Some parents mistakenly overlook signs of abuse because they do not want to face what is happening.
Drug and alcohol abuse play a significant role in enabling child abuse.
Many parents and guardians who struggle with addiction prioritise feeding their habit over protecting their children.
In the most extreme cases, some even allow or sell access to their children for s*xual exploitation in exchange for drugs or money.
Many parents and guardians place blind trust in family members, friends, or authority figures without verifying whether their child is truly in a safe environment.
This misplaced trust leads them to dismiss warning signs or fail to investigate suspicions of abuse.
Additionally, some parents refuse to believe that someone they love and respect - such as a spouse, sibling, or close friend - could harm their child.
Denial becomes a defence mechanism to avoid confronting painful truths.
Some parents who were themselves abused as children grow up believing that abuse is normal.
If they endured the same trauma in their childhood and received no help or intervention, they may not recognise the severity of the abuse happening to their own children.
This cycle of trauma perpetuates abuse across generations.
Mothers and guardians who are trapped in abusive relationships may feel powerless to protect their children.
Some abusers threaten to harm the mother or siblings if she refuses to comply with their abusive actions.
Out of fear for their own lives and the well-being of their family, some victims feel forced to turn a blind eye to their children’s suffering.
Certain cults and extremist belief systems indoctrinate their followers into accepting abuse as part of their religious or spiritual obligations.
In some cases, parents allow their children to be abused as part of rituals or because they fear punishment from the group if they refuse to comply.
The deep psychological manipulation in these environments makes it difficult for victims to seek help or recognise that what they are experiencing is wrong.
In some communities, reporting abuse is discouraged due to cultural beliefs, stigma, or fear of bringing shame upon the family.
Victims and their families may be pressured to remain silent to protect the family’s reputation.
Others lack trust in the police or social services, believing that reporting the crime will not result in justice but could instead make things worse for the child.
The lack of knowledge and cultural indoctrination has traditional healers, or witchdoctors, spreading te rumour that s*x with a virgin cures AIDS and for encouraging child r*pe.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO ALL PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS – THESE ARE THE SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE IN BABIES, TODDLERS AND OLDER CHILDREN:
SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE:
Sudden changes in behaviour.
Unexplained bruises, abrasions, burns, broken bones, black eyes, cuts, bite marks, or other injuries.
Any rib fracture, long bone fracture, or bruising in a baby who is not yet walking.
Signs of shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma).
This usually happens when a babies are violently shaken or hits a child’s head against a hard object.
Symptoms:
Glassy-eyed and appear rigid.
Altered level of consciousness.
Bleeding.
Bruising.
Fainting or lethargy.
Crying or irritability.
Decreased appetite.
Vomiting.
Coma.
Retinal haemorrhage.
Seizures.
Tremors.
Shortness of breath.
Repeated injuries of any type are a warning sign.
SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE:
Behavioural problems.
Excessively clingy.
Aggressive behaviour.
They become less talkative or stop communicating almost completely.
Act inappropriately infantile.
No appetite.
Fearful behaviour.
Nightmares or trouble sleeping.
SIGNS OF S*XUAL ABUSE:
Pain, itching, bleeding, or bruises in or around the genital area.
Difficulty in walking or sitting.
Obsessive curiosity about s*xual matters.
Frequent UTIs and other infections.
A survivor who confided in our Specialist Investigator shared the following warning signs to look out for:
PHYSICAL SIGNS:
The child has skid marks on their underwear due to fear of using the toilet - this may be because the predator previously targeted them in that space.
Bedwetting can also be a reaction to trauma.
EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES:
The child suddenly starts shaking, their hands may tremble, and they seem constantly on edge.
They may develop a sudden stutter or withdraw from conversations.
SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL:
Children naturally seek attention, but it may be a red flag if they suddenly avoid drawing attention to themselves.
They struggle to integrate with peers, find it difficult to make friends, and often seem isolated.
This is usually due to feelings of shame and loneliness caused by the abuse.
CLUMSINESS AND PREOCCUPATION:
The child may fumble often, dropping objects or bumping into furniture.
Their mind is overwhelmed, trying to make sense of what happened.
They may blame themselves, believing they are at fault for the abuse.
If you notice these signs in a child, take them seriously and seek professional help immediately.
Early intervention can save lives.
MANDATORY LIFE SENTENCES FOR R*PE IN SOUTH AFRICAN LAW:
South African law provides for mandatory minimum sentences, including life imprisonment, in certain aggravated cases of r*pe under the Criminal Law Amendment Act (Act 105 of 1997).
These provisions aim to impose harsher penalties for particularly severe instances of s*xual violence.
In terms of the South African law there is in certain instances a compulsory minimum sentence for R*pe.
These instances are the following:
Where the victim is under 16 years of age.
Where the victim is mentally challenged.
Where the victim is physically challenged.
Where the victim was r*ped more than once or by more than one person (gang rape).
Where the accused was HIV positive, and he proceeded to rape the victim not withstanding this.
If the above is not applicable the sentence for r*pe is as follows:
In terms of section 51 of the Law Amendment act 105 of 1997 Part II of Schedule 2 the minimum sentence for a 1st offender on a charge of r*pe is not less than 15 years imprisonment.
The minimum sentence for a second r*pe conviction is not less than 20 years imprisonment.
The minimum sentence for a third and subsequent offence of rape is not less than 25 years direct imprisonment.
When imposing a sentence in respect of the offence of r*pe the following shall not constitute substantial and compelling circumstances justifying the imposition of a lesser sentence:
The complainant’s previous s*xual history.
An apparent lack of physical injury to the complainant.
An accused person’s cultural or religious beliefs about rape or
Any relationship between the accused person and the complainant before the offence was committed.
These stringent sentencing laws underscore the seriousness with which South Africa’s legal system treats sexual offences, particularly against vulnerable individuals.
However, challenges such as case backlogs, lack of resources, and low conviction rates often hinder the effectiveness of these laws in ensuring justice for survivors.
Even in a country numbed to horrific events, infant rape cases are shocking to South Africans,
and makes ordinary, law-abiding citizens question where our society is heading.
Mr. Mike Bolhuis, a respected and valued South African citizen, is widely recognised
as a leading expert in the fields of serious violent crime, serious economic crime, and serious cybercrime.
His extensive knowledge and decades of investigative experience make him a trusted voice, regularly consulted by the
South African media for expert commentary on high-profile cases and complex criminal matters.
In both his personal capacity and through his specialist organisation, Specialised Security Services,
Mr. Bolhuis has dedicated his career to protecting the most vulnerable members of society -
including children, women, and the elderly.
His unwavering commitment to exposing criminal networks and standing up for victims of abuse
and exploitation has earned him widespread respect nationwide.
Listen to Mr. Bolhuis’ expert insights in this interview, where he continues to raise awareness and
speak out against crime and injustice:
(This interview is in Afrikaans.)
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Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
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