FAMILY members are still reeling in shock after Abigail Hope (20) was found dead less than 24 hours after starting what she thought was an au pair job.
This according to grief-stricken parents, Desiree and Tyrone Banger who took to the Durban promenade to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking, which they believe led to the untimely passing of their daughter.
Joined by Durban residents, family, and friends, the campaign took off from uShaka Beach on Saturday, 3 April as volunteers handed out flyers as they walked along the promenade in solidarity for the young life that was lost.
Mother, Desiree Banger believes her daughter was a victim of sex trafficking.
Also read: Be aware of the realities of human trafficking
“We organised the event today to create awareness of sex trafficking. It’s rife here in Durban. My daughter was taking on an au pairing job she saw on a Facebook site which turned out not to be what it was supposed to be. That’s what we want to create awareness of today,” she said.
Father, Tyrone Banger added: “We want to raise awareness about how vulnerable teenagers and children are.”
Desiree recounted the events leading up to the death of her daughter.
“I dropped her off at 1pm on Friday, 14 August to start her au pair job. I tried to do as much background research as I could. I also applied for the job and I got the same response as Abigail. On 15 August, I had to go and drop some clothes off for Abigail and (her employer) said she wasn’t there. He said she had just gone to do some shopping for the children for the week, with his driver. So I left the clothes for her and asked him to tell her to give me a call. At 4.30pm I got a call to say she was dead,” said Desiree.
“Desiree had gone to meet the man (who advertised the job), his wife and their three little children,” added Tyrone.
Also read: 12 DUT students to appear in court after protest
Supporting the awareness campaign on Saturday was a family friend, Antionette Hattingh.
“A beautiful soul was brutally taken away from us,” she said.
“Unfortunately human trafficking is real. No one understands how real it is- which is quite frightening,” added Hattingh.
Captain Louise Le Roux, Corporate Communication and Liason Officer for Brighton Beach SAPS confirmed that a case was opened.
“I can confirm that Brighton Beach Detective Services are investigating with regards to this case,” she said.
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