63 children murdered in Western Cape between April and August

702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melane speaks with Gugu Xaba, CEO of Save the Children South Africa.

Listen below:

The children of the Western Cape are facing extreme violence, with 63 being murdered between April and August this year.

Teenagers aged between 15 and 17 are particularly vulnerable, making up 71% of the victims.

The cases span Kraaifontein, Philippi East, Delft, Nyanga, Mfuleni, Elsies River, Bishop Lavis, Ravensmead, Gugulethu, and Samora Machel.

Xaba says we need to address gangsterism in these communities, which will include speaking with the gang members.

“We are not going to be able to change this until we talk to the people who are contributing to these deaths.”

- Gugu Xaba, CEO - Save the Children South Africa

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She adds that every person in the community has a responsibility to protect each other and keep the children safe.

“Leaders that are within those communities, whether it's political or it's faith-based leaders, have a responsibility to change that particular situation.”

- Gugu Xaba, CEO - Save the Children South Africa

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