Minister Fritz Condemns Violence against Children

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Albert Fritz, condemns violence against children in the strongest terms. This follows after the one year old Orderick Lucas was reported missing over a week ago.

Yesterday, a body of a child was discovered in a drain in Melton Rose, near the home of Oderick Lucas. It is believed to be him.

Oderick went missing on Sunday, March 24, and was reported missing at the Kleinvlei police station four days later by his mother, Davedine Lucas.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has since intervened and provided psycho-social support to affected family members.

Minister Fritz said “Violence against children is abhorrent and we cannot stand for it in our communities. Events such as these have traumatising effects on the families and communities that surround it. Anyone in need of psycho-social support can contact their local Department of Social Development office, who will deploy a social worker to provide a needs assessment, debriefing and the necessary support thereafter. Additionally, I call on anyone with information regarding Oderick Lucas to immediately come forward and report such to the SAPS or DSD local office.”

Minister Fritz further said, “I commend the SAPS and community for the work that they have done regarding this investigation. Police officers, as well as the dog unit have searched several residences after the disappearance of Oderick Lucas. Door-to-door searches were also conducted in the surrounding areas with the help of community members.”

Under the leadership of Minister Fritz, the Western Cape Department of Social Development will continue to provide its services to those most in need in the province.