14 March 2007
Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Kgaogelo Lekgoro, visited the Tswelopele
Le Bokamoso Day Care Centre in Bophelong in the Vaal on Tuesday, 13 March 2007,
where a two-year old toddler was abducted and raped recently.
Lekgoro also visited the home of the victim to convey his sympathies to the
toddler and her family.
The purpose of the visit was to identify with the parents of children
attending the day care centre and the management of the centre. Lekgoro also
enquired about how the alleged perpetrator could have gained access to the day
care centre which should at all time be a safe place for children.
"We have discovered that security measures at the centre are adequate, given
the walls surrounding the yard as well as the premises where the children
attend. We also advised that parents collect their children themselves in
future," said Lekgoro.
The MEC, accompanied by municipal officials and social workers from the
Sedibeng area, indicated that the Gauteng Department of Social Development
would provide counselling services and psycho social support to the victim and
her family.
The parents who had a discussion with the MEC said they will work closely
with the community and the day care centre management to keep the children
safe.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development also undertook to register the
day care centre and assist it to reach the standard of a proper crèche.
For more information contact:
Fred Mokoko
Tel: (011) 355 7687/7977
Cell: 082 447 8407
Issued by: Department of Social Development, Gauteng Provincial
Government
14 March 2007
