Western Cape Social Development MEC Ivan Meyer has admitted the province has been struggling in its attempts to effectively tackle the scourge of child murders.

The admission followed the recovery of the body of an eight-year-old Mitchells Plain boy at the weekend.

Moegamat Yunis Desai was missing for almost two weeks before his body was discovered.

Meyer said the murder was a grizzly reminder of the vulnerability of children, saying youngsters could be at risk during the upcoming December school holidays.

He said a new safety programme would be unveiled soon. But the MEC stressed the authorities alone could not adequately handle protecting children.

"When the schools close children are at risk and I really call on all parents to look after their children. The state can't be in every single household," said Meyer.

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