PROJECT: RUNAWAY CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Isabel Spies
4 days ago
5 min read

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Mr. Mike Bolhuis and Specialised Security Services (S.S.S.) are dedicated to protecting South Africa’s youth.

Every year in South Africa, hundreds of children and teenagers leave their homes—

sometimes for a few hours, sometimes forever. These runaway incidents are often misunderstood

or dismissed as acts of rebellion when in reality, they signal deep emotional distress, family dysfunction, or external danger.

Runaway children are among the most vulnerable members of society, at immediate risk of abduction, sexual exploitation, forced labour, trafficking, substance abuse, and violent crime.

Specialised Security Services has investigated multiple cases involving minors who disappeared voluntarily or under coercion. Each case underlines the same truth: no child runs away without a reason, and every hour matters once they are gone.

UNDERSTANDING WHY CHILDREN RUN AWAY:

There are complex, multi-layered reasons why minors leave home.
Identifying these early warning signs can prevent tragedy.

1. FAMILY CONFLICT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

Many children flee environments filled with verbal abuse, physical assault, or sexual violence—either directed at them or witnessed within the household.
They may feel safer on the streets than in their own homes.

2. NEGLECT AND LACK OF SUPERVISION:

When parents or guardians are absent due to substance abuse, long working hours, or disengagement, children may feel unloved and unwanted.
This emotional neglect can drive them toward friends or strangers who offer attention and acceptance.

3. PEER PRESSURE AND ROMANTIC INFLUENCE:

Teenagers are highly impressionable.
Romantic relationships, online grooming, or peer manipulation can lead them to run away “for love” or under false promises of a better life.
These cases are often linked to human trafficking syndicates.

4. SUBSTANCE ABUSE:

Children struggling with addiction may flee when their habits are discovered or when they feel they can only sustain their addiction outside of parental control.

5. MENTAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL CRISES:

Depression, anxiety, bullying, and low self-esteem can create a sense of hopelessness.
Running away may seem like the only escape from psychological pain.

RISKS AND DANGERS FACED BY RUNAWAYS:

Once a child leaves home, their safety is immediately compromised.
Within hours, many face:
- Exploitation by adults promising food, shelter, or affection.
- Forced prostitution or pornography, especially through social media grooming.
- Recruitment into criminal activity, such as theft, drug trafficking, or begging rings.
- Exposure to substance abuse, violence, and sexual assault.
- Loss of identification and traceability makes recovery more difficult.
- Severe malnutrition, illness, or death due to unsafe living conditions.
SSS investigations confirm that many “runaway” children later become victims of crimes classified as trafficking, abduction, or murder.

THE ROLE OF PARENTS AND GUARDIANS:

Preventing a child from running away begins long before the event.
Parents must cultivate trust, open communication, and consistent boundaries.

KEY PREVENTATIVE ACTIONS:

ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION:
- Talk daily.
- Encourage honesty without punishment or ridicule.
MONITOR DIGITAL ACTIVITY:
- Be aware of who your child interacts with online.
- Groomers and traffickers often use social media and gaming platforms.
RECOGNISE WARNING SIGNS:
- Withdrawal, sudden secrecy, new friends, mood changes, or hidden communication devices can indicate danger.
CREATE SAFE ALTERNATIVES:
- If home tensions exist, arrange counselling or mediation instead of letting conflict escalate.
KNOW THEIR ROUTINE:
- Always know where your child is, who they are with, and how to contact them.
SECURE IDENTIFICATION:
- Keep updated photos, fingerprints, and key personal details in case of an emergency.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD RUNS AWAY:

ACT IMMEDIATELY - DO NOT WAIT 24 HOURS:
- There is no legal waiting period to report a missing child in South Africa.
- Every minute counts.
CONTACT THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY:
- Go to your nearest SAPS station and open a missing person’s case.
- Provide:
  - Recent photo.
  - Full description and clothing.
  - Known friends and locations.
  - Online usernames or social media accounts.
Notify Specialised Security Services (SSS). SSS can assist with investigation, intelligence gathering, cyber tracing, and recovery coordination in cooperation with SAPS and relevant authorities.
CONTACT MISSING CHILDREN SOUTH AFRICA:
- Contact number: +27 72 647 7464
- www.missingchildren.org.za
ALERT SCHOOLS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY:
- Inform all relevant people so that sightings or tips can be reported quickly.
MONITOR SOCIAL MEDIA:
- Criminals may use the child’s accounts to communicate or disguise their activity.
- Preserve digital evidence for investigators.

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

Fax: 086 585 4924

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.

STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.

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