Durban - The SAPS has joined children’s groups in urging parents to be vigilant regarding the whereabouts of their children when they venture into public places during the festive season.
Childline KwaZulu-Natal and Missing Children SA have called for parents and guardians not to leave their children unattended.
The call comes after the disappearance of Ibongwe Ntanga, 2, of Glendale, near Shakaskraal in northern KZN, who has been missing since Monday morning. Police and emergency services said the search for Ibongwe was continuing.
The Mercury’s sister newspaper, the Daily News, reported that Ibongwe was last seen wearing a black-and-white shirt, green long pants and light blue Crocs.
IPSS Medical Rescue managing director Dylan Meyrick said IPPS Security and police had conducted extensive searches.
“Following searches over two days we are almost 100% certain that he is not in the immediate vicinity of the compound where he lives.”
KZN police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said Ibongwe was last seen on December 19 at 7am when he was playing with other children in Glendale.
Ngcobo appealed to anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Glendale police at 032 947 9001 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said: “Children by nature want to explore and do not necessarily know or realise that their actions might be dangerous. Parents should be aware of their children’s whereabouts at all times.” Netshiunda said that at shopping malls, parents should ensure that they held hands with their children so that they do not lose them.
“At the beaches we encourage parents and guardians not to allow children to swim unsupervised and ensure that they swim in designated swimming areas.”
Bianca van Aswegen, national co-ordinator for Missing Children SA, said the organisation urged parents and guardians to be more alert at this time of year.
“We have seen an increase in children going missing, kidnappings have escalated, and human trafficking is a problem. The festive season is a busy time, and it is of utmost importance to keep our children safe during this time. It is important to know where your child is at all times and whom they are with. Not only do strangers pose a danger to our children, but many times the perpetrator is known to the victim, therefore always leave your child with someone trusted.”
Van Aswegen said there was no waiting period in reporting a person or child as missing.
“Please report it to your nearest police station immediately and contact Missing Children South Africa so action can be taken immediately. It is important to always have a recent photograph of your child with you at all times should you find yourself in an emergency situation having to open a missing persons case.”
Childline KZN’s acting director Adeshini Naicker said apart from the danger and the usual challenges children face during the festive season, there were also hazards due to the inclement weather the province was experiencing.
Naicker said parents should teach their children what to do if they felt unsafe, and to whom and where to go.
“Very often children are taken by people they know, parents need to be aware of the relationships their children are in and they must trust their gut. If they are uncomfortable with a relationship, put a stop to it. Be wary of who you allow to babysit your child, and never leave your toddler unsupervised, even if it’s outside your own home.”
THE MERCURY