Formidable Display of Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Capabilities at Laerskool Simon Bekker Primary

Hundreds of excited learners from Laerskool Simon Bekker Primary School in Pretoria West gathered on the school grounds on 11 February 2026, their eyes wide with wonder as the blades of a Gauteng Traffic Police helicopter sliced through the summer sky. The powerful aerial display formed the highlight of a dynamic joint outreach that brought together South African Police Service (SAPS) units, private emergency services, and community partners to showcase their capabilities and commitment to protecting citizens — especially the city’s children.

The event was a vibrant demonstration of unity and strength. Learners and teachers watched in awe as skilled officers from various specialized units exhibited their expertise.

Among those present were Warrant Officer Melani Smit from the Pretoria Moot Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit; Warrant Officer John Dexter from FCS Pretoria Central; members of SAPS Pretoria West; Lucky Mitchell from Missing Persons and Crime Stop; officers from the Gauteng Traffic Department; the Proshield Private Security Team with their renowned sniffer dog, Hendrik K9, along with their Drone and Mounted Units; and Morgan from Shekinah 911 Emergency Medical Services. Wayne van Onselen, Founder and Executive Director of Unchain Our Children (UOC), also joined the initiative.

As a leading child protection organization, Unchain Our Children has long supported law enforcement through collaborative campaigns, awareness programmes, and direct partnerships. This longstanding commitment stems from UOC’s core mission: to create safer environments for children by strengthening the very institutions tasked with their protection. By participating in events like this, UOC helps bridge the gap between communities and the dedicated professionals who serve them daily

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Learners engaged enthusiastically with the displays, particularly the popular K9 unit demonstration, and took part in interactive Q&A sessions. They learned about protective laws, the importance of reporting abuse, and how different units work together to keep communities safe. Teachers, meanwhile, received practical tools and insights to handle disclosures of abuse effectively and confidently.

Beyond the excitement, the outreach served a deeper purpose. These regular collaborative initiatives raise awareness, build trust, and send a clear message: law enforcement and emergency services stand united and ready to protect South Africa’s youth. SAPS also uses such platforms to promote Safe School Committees, which play a crucial role in preventing crime, managing incidents swiftly, and encouraging open reporting within school communities.

Events like the one at Laerskool Simon Bekker Primary School are more than impressive displays — they are powerful declarations of collective strength. They inspire confidence in young minds, empower educators, and reinforce the vital partnerships needed to create a safer future for all children.

Report Child Exploitation and Abuse: 

Call UOC National Crisis Center:  067 323 7116