Carletonville police teach Busy Bee Daycare children how to stay safe from criminals
Members of the Carletonville SAPS, along with several key partners, visited the Busy Bee Day Care Centre to educate young children on how to protect themselves from crime — particularly from kidnappers and strangers.
The initiative was led by Captain Plastiek Van Vuuren, Carletonville's Social Crime Prevention Officer, and coordinated by Sergeant Thabo David Mathebula, the station's domestic violence coordinator. The outreach forms part of an ongoing effort to strengthen community safety and raise awareness at grassroots level.
Other stakeholders included representatives from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Community Policing Forum (CPF), SAVF, and the Departments of Social Services and Health.
'The purpose of the visit was to teach children how to ask for help when they need it, especially to escape dangerous situations or kidnappers,' said Sgt. Mathebula.
Children were introduced to the role players, including Abraham Sithole from the Siyabangena CPF patrollers, who assured the youngsters that CPF patrollers are trustworthy and there to help.
Mapule Ratsoma from the NPA also encouraged children to speak up if they see something wrong and said they can even report crimes to religious leaders they trust.
One of the most engaging moments of the day was a musical activity led by Wandiswa Bangane from the Carletonville Central Clinic, who sang the My Special Body song to about 70 children. The performance reminded children that police officers are their friends, not people to be afraid of.
The children received 20 SAPS-branded colouring books and sweets from Sgt. Mathebula — but with a firm warning:
'Never accept sweets or gifts from strangers.'
The educational visit was well-received and highlighted the importance of early childhood education in crime prevention and safety awareness.
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