United Against Online Predators: UOC, Mon Ami and DHS Unite to Protect Children

On Friday, 22 May 2026, Unchain Our Children (UOC), in partnership with longstanding collaborator Mon Ami Trauma Troops, hosted a vital child protection awareness event at Valley Methodist Church in Villieria, Pretoria. The initiative equipped children, parents, caregivers, and community members with essential knowledge on safe social media use and the hidden dangers lurking in cyberspace.

The event highlighted how predators exploit digital platforms, using grooming tactics, manipulation, and privacy breaches to target vulnerable children. Speakers stressed that once these strategies are exposed, children can recognise and resist the “sugar-coated” approaches of online opportunists, bullies, and sexual predators.

Addressing the audience was a powerful trio of experts: Wayne van Onselen, Founder and Executive Director of UOC and a former detective sergeant; Amy Arnold, UOC’s Specialist Counter-Trafficking Operative, former USA Law Enforcement Officer, Trainer and Investigator; and Mr Johan Claassen, Senior Criminal Investigator and Computer Forensic Agent with the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI/ICE) in Pretoria.

Claassen, who has over 26 years of law enforcement experience, shared critical insights into online child sexual exploitation, grooming patterns, sextortion, and cyber-enabled trafficking. His presentations focused on recognising red flags, adopting safe online practices, and understanding reporting mechanisms.

This successful event underscores the immense value of collaboration between like-minded organisations. Mon Ami Trauma Troops has been a steadfast partner of UOC for years, delivering essential trauma response, emotional support, feeding schemes, and victim empowerment across Pretoria and Gauteng. Similarly, UOC’s longstanding partnership with DHS/HSI has strengthened cross-border efforts against child exploitation through joint investigations, training, intelligence sharing, and public awareness campaigns.

“Collaboration is our strongest weapon,” said Wayne van Onselen. “By working together with dedicated partners like Mon Ami and DHS, we can more effectively prevent harm and support victims.”

In today’s digital world, it is vital that children, parents, and caregivers become knowledgeable about cyberspace dangers. Informed vigilance remains one of the most powerful tools in protecting the next generation from online predators.

UOC continues to lead prevention efforts through direct intervention, victim support, and broad educational programmes, proving that united action delivers real impact in the fight against child exploitation.

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