In January this year, she allegedly stabbed and killed her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend. Just like everyone who commits a crime, the 14-year-old was arrested and charged with murder. In an emotional session, the child offender freely expressed herself.

CHILD PROTECTION WEEK LAUNCH

The Department of Social Development officially launched child protection week on Friday under the theme, "Let us Protect Children during COVID-19 and Beyond". Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu visited children in conflict with the law in KwaZulu-Natal. The children mostly teenagers, who are cared for, by the department, shared their experiences and how they regretted being on the opposite side of the law. The KZN Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC), is a facility that accommodates children in conflict with the law. These are children who have committed crimes ranging from schedule 1 to 3.

REMORSEFUL 

Social Development spokesperson Lumka Oliphant said Mandisa (not her real name) was visibly remorseful and spoke about how she got arrested for murder on 17 January 2023 for stabbing her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend: "Since committing this crime, my life has not been the same. I would like to finish my grade 7 and become a doctor one day." Mandisa said. Oliphant said another offender, 16-year-old Bongani who was arrested for rape said that he really felt bad for what he did. "I want to apologise to the girl I raped. What I did is unforgivable," he expressed.

 MISTAKES HAPPEN 

Bogopane-Zulu encouraged the children and told them everyone makes mistakes in life. "Your part is to accept what you have done and forgive yourselves. Do not let this situation define who you are. Through your Child Youth Care Workers, you can request to speak to those you have done wrong and apologise as you reclaim your lives," she said. She added this process is part of Restorative Justice, which focuses on reconciling and reintegrating offenders into society rather than on retribution. In line with the provision of the Children's Act 38 of 2005, the Department has established Child Youth Care Workers that accommodate children in conflict with the law. The Child Youth Care Workers offer residential facilities for children awaiting trial, sentencing, or those who have been sentenced in terms of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008. The Child Protection Week campaign, which is now a 365-day campaign, encourages all sectors of society to care for and protect children. It also emphasises on the importance of coordinated action needed across a number of fronts to ensure the safety and well-being of children in South Africa.