Unchain Our Children and Partners Swiftly Rescued Missing Girl
- linettelintvelt
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
A concerned South African citizen recently spotted an unaccompanied young girl walking about aimlessly in an area where children aren’t usually seen and reported it to 702 Radio, triggering a rapid response. The Child Guardian Unit—a key partner of Unchain Our Children immediately contacted Wayne, Founder and Executive Director, who then coordinated with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intervene.
Investigations revealed the child had been missing for several days, leaving her parents in distress. Under the management of UOC's senior social worker, Nicky McDonald, the case was resolved successfully, with the girl safely reunited and protected. This incident underscores the critical role of community vigilance and collaborative efforts in child protection.
South Africa faces a persistent crisis with missing children, with data showing an alarming trend. Over the past three years (up to 2025), more than 2,000 children were reported missing, of which 1,252 were found, but over 700 remain unaccounted for without a trace. A
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) figures, 632 children were reported missing in 2024 (down from 742 in 2023), and over the past decade, an average of 1,697 children go missing annually—equivalent to one every five hours based on older benchmarks. From 2020 to 2025, SAPS reunited 2,963 missing children with their families (1,919 girls and 967 boys).
Further reports indicated that, while 77% of cases result in the child being found, a tragic 23% involve children who remain missing, are trafficked, or are found deceased—highlighting underreporting, especially in rural areas. Over 18 years, more than 16,000 children have been reported missing, with about 4,000 never located.
These figures emphasize the need for ongoing awareness and intervention, as many cases stem from abduction, trafficking, or exploitation.
Unchain Our Children (UOC) is committed to protecting vulnerable children through direct action and advocacy. Their mission focuses on combating human trafficking, child abuse, gender-based violence, and human rights violations via interventions like rescues, victim support, and awareness campaigns.
Key initiatives include:
Rescue and Response Operations: Partnering with organizations like the Child Guardian Unit and SAPS to locate and safeguard missing children, as seen in the recent case managed by senior social worker Nicky McDonald.
Awareness and Training Events: Educating the public on child protection, and prevent abduction and exploitation.
Victim Empowerment and Advocacy: Providing support for survivors, honoring dedicated operatives through annual awards, and amplifying voices for at-risk children to ensure their rights and safety are prioritized.
Through these efforts, UOC has made significant strides in 2025, including raising awareness, facilitating rescues, and building a network to protect children's best interests amid rising threats.
Discover & Contact:
Report Child Abuse & Neglect: Call UOC National Crisis Centre: 067 323 7116
Book UOC Training & Information Session: Call Wayne: 072 364 8246
Child Guardian Unit :
Website: https://cgusa.co.za/
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