human trafficking

All major human trafficking hot-spots in South Africa can be found in Gauteng – Photo: Adobe Stock

Child Protection Register only received 662 names from DoJ since 2013

With a massive sexual offence conviction rate, it doesn’t add up that the Child Protection register only contains 1 660 names.

human trafficking

All major human trafficking hot-spots in South Africa can be found in Gauteng – Photo: Adobe Stock

Following the damning admission by the Department of Justice (DoJ) that only 1 660 convicted sexual offenders have been added to the Child Protection Register (CPR) since 2010, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to reopen their investigation into departmental failure to protect South Africa’s children. 

Responding to the DA’s parliamentary question on the matter, the DoJ conceded that they had only submitted 662 names of murderers and rapists to the list – which is used to vet people seeking to work with children – since 2013.

Only 662 names added to Child Protection Register

The DA inquired about the CPRs deficiencies during a parliamentary question and answer session earlier this week, and received the following response from the department of justice:

Section 120 (4) of the Children’s Act states, ‘in criminal proceedings, subject to the provisions of subsection (4A) a person must be deemed unsuitable to work with children; (a) on conviction of murder, attempted murder, rape, indecent assault or any other sexual offence contemplated in the Criminal Law Amendment Act’.”

This response was followed by a list of forms submitted to the department of Social Development to be included on the CPR:

  • 2013/14: 44 offenders;
  • 2014/15: 69 offenders;
  • 2015/16: 59 offenders;
  • 2016/17: 67 offenders;
  • 2017/18: 145 offenders;
  • 2018/19: 135 offenders; and
  • 2019/20: 143 offenders (ongoing). 

DA condemn ‘failing system’ 

DA MP Mike Waters said that the response was indicative of a failing of the justice system to protect children in South Africa. 

“It is painfully clear that the justice system is dismally failing our children,” he said on Friday 12 June. 

“Last week, the DA wrote to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) regarding the fact that only 1 660 names appear on Part B of the CPR.  This was after a parliamentary reply by the Department of Social Development.”

“The DA requested that the SAHRC reopen their investigation into the failing of our justice system in protecting our children. We are yet to receive an acknowledgment from them let alone an indication as to whether they will accede to the request.”

He said that the figures presented are abysmal. 

“The… figures are an embarrassment to the countries fight against child murder and abuse.”

SAHRC to attend to matter ‘urgently’

Speaking to The South African, SAHRC commissioner Chris Nissen said that the reporting of additions to the CPR had dwindled steadily since its establishment in 2010.

“DA laid a complaint in 2013 and the matter was investigated, with the SAHRC making certain recommendations to the Department of Social Development. For a number of years they reported back, but then over a period of time that reporting became less and less,” he said.

“Waters came again in June saying there was no satisfaction, and the SAHRC is now looking into matter. My understanding is that the SAHRC will go back to Social Development and seek reports on a quarterly basis and keep the list updated.” 

Nissen said that the matter was being treated as an issue of urgent concern.

“That register consists of what is known, we don’t even know how many other offenders are around. It is of vital importance that the list is updated.”

“The onus is on the State Department to ensure that the list is comprehensively updated, because it is a vital resource for organisations that work with children.”