EDITORIAL: Keeping an eye on our little ones

The festive period is supposed to be a time of joy and happiness for families after the hard grind of a year that is now nearing its end at break-neck speed.

Inevitably, however, this time of the year, danger lurks around every corner - from car crashes and drownings to other tragedies that can turn the jolly season into a nightmare.

Police crime reports for the past weekend are littered with incidents of rape and other chilling crimes. The rape statistics in particular should be a wake-up call to all parents to be extra vigilant when it comes to their children during the festive season. This cannot be overemphasised as we enter a period of partying and revelry. Our kids depend on us as adults to keep them safe and to be on the lookout for situations where they may potentially fall into the wrong hands. With this in mind, all law-abiding Namibians should play a role this festive season to keep our nation’s children safe.

Sometimes, as right-thinking members of society, we forget that there are indeed sick individuals out there who will not hesitate to take advantage of situations to their own benefit. Let us all adopt each other’s young ones during the holiday period, whether it be at the village, beach or in our neighbourhoods. Even amid the unfolding jolliness, let our guard not be dropped when it comes to keeping an eagle eye on our kids.