POLICE WARN ABOUT DANGEROUS SWEETS TARGETING CHILDREN
Reporter – George C April
CAPE TOWN:- More and more frequently, social media is filled with heartbreaking posts about missing children.
While communities rally to help, the truth is that many of these disappearances could be prevented with better awareness and communication.
One of the latest dangers comes in a form that seems harmless – sweets.
According to a recent warning from the South African Police, children in some areas have been offered colourful sweets that may be laced with harmful substances. These sweets are sometimes distributed by strangers – or even by other children who don’t realise the risk. The goal?
To sedate or confuse children before they are taken or harmed.
This tactic is not new internationally, but it is now being seen more often in local communities, and parents are urged to remain on high alert.
What can parents do?
Always know where your children are. Don’t assume they’re safe just because it’s daytime or because they’re playing near home.
Teach them to never accept sweets or drinks from anyone, even from someone they think they know.
Remind them not to walk alone – especially if approached by someone trying to lure them away with a treat or story.
Inspect anything they bring home, especially if it’s unwrapped or looks unfamiliar.
Keep an open line of communication. The more comfortable a child is to tell you everything, the more protected they are.
The police have made it clear: this is not a rumour. Dangerous sweets are being used as a method to target children, and parents need to take this seriously.
CCNOnline _ Stay alert _ Stay involved”
“Keep your children safe”
