Human trafficking is a stark reality in South Africa and it can happen to anyone at anytime.
In light of recent events that played out in Weltevreden Park as reported in Roodepoort Northsider on 29 November where an attempt was made to abduct a child, the Sandton Police have warned the community to be vigilant.
According to the report, the children were playing in the street when four males in a Volkswagen Polo stopped next to them and asked if they knew a certain person. One of the four suspects then tried to grab one of the children but fled the scene with the victim’s cellphone after one of the children called out for his mother.
Constable David Mothapo, spokesperson for the Sandton Police Station said, “Although there have not been any recent cases in the Sandton area, it is a reality that can happen.”
He said that children are often exploited and forced into labour. “It doesn’t just happen to children and anyone, regardless of age or sex, can become a victim of trafficking,” said Motapo.
Mothapo said that there are various reasons why people get trafficked and these include:
- Sex trafficking such as pornography, prostitution or escort services which are forced
- Trafficking for non-commercial purposes, which may include early and forced marriages
- Maternity trafficking which is forced impregnation with the intent to sell the child
- Illegal adoptions with the intent to sell or exploit the child
- Forced labour and child labour which may include sweatshops or forced labour
- Organ and body part trafficking which is forced and illegal selling of body parts
- Forced begging and participation in criminal activities.
- Missing Children South Africa is an organisation that creates awareness of the reality of children going missing in South Africa. They also assist the South African Police Services and families when a child goes missing.
The organisation has provided a few tips to keep safe during the holiday season:
- Ensure you and your children know where the nearest police station and hospitals are
- Be wary of people you meet on holiday
- Ask the locals which areas to avoid
- Do not wait 24 hours to report a missing person, especially during the holidays
- Always ensure you know where your child is, with whom and what they are wearing.
Mothapo said that during the festive season the Sandton police will have extra visible policing at malls conducting foot patrols. “The focus will be on a variety of crimes such as theft out of motor vehicles and other crimes.”
Details: For more details or in an emergency contact Sandton police 011 722 4200; 10111 or Missing Children SA on 021 950 1546; info@missingchildren.org.za; Emergencies 072 647 7464.
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