NEWCASTLE KZN: What you need to know about human trafficking

Often described as a ‘hidden crime’, human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes that local police have to deal with.

According to Lizzy Arumugam of the Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications office, the first step to combating human trafficking is to identify victims so they can be rescued and help bring their perpetrators to justice.

“In its worst manifestation, human trafficking is akin to modern-day slavery,” explained Arumugam, adding that victims pay to be illegally transported to other countries, only to find themselves in the thrall of traffickers.

“They are forced into prostitution, involuntary labour and other forms of servitude to repay debts. Most victims are mere children… They find themselves surrounded by an unfamiliar culture and language without identification documents, fearing for their lives and the lives of their families.”

Arumugam mentioned that SAPS Newcastle relies on tips from the public to dismantle human trafficking organisations, and she has encouraged residents to keep their eyes and ears open to suspicious activity.

“Trafficking victims are often hidden in plain sight – voiceless and scared. If you notice any suspicious activity in your community, please contact the Police on 034 314 6156 or 10111,” she urged.

Arumugam has also provided the following helpful information and tips in order to be more aware.

Trafficking in persons

This is defined as sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age; or

The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining of a person for labour or services, through the use of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage or slavery.

Arumugam said the indicators of human trafficking include the following:

• Does the victim possess identification and travel documents? If not, who has control of these documents?
• Did the victim travel to a destination country for a specific job or purpose, and is the victim engaged in different employment than expected?
• Is the victim being forced to perform sexual acts as part of employment?
• Is the victim a juvenile engaged in commercial sex?
• Does the victim owe money to an employer or does the employer hold wages?
• Did the employer instruct the victim on what to say to law enforcement or immigration officials?
• Can the victim freely leave employment or the situation?
• Are there guards at work/harboring site or video cameras to monitor and ensure no one escapes?
• Does the victim have freedom of movement? Can they freely contact family and friends? Can they socialise or attend religious services?

“If you notice any of the above indicators, please do not hesitate to contact the Police,” concluded Arumugam.

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