Protect your children from traffickers while at school

When you drop off your little one at school every morning, you expect them to be there when you fetch them.

However, police have noted an alarming trend that has gotten them, as well as parents and schools worried. Suspects, disguised as relatives or close friends, approach schools and pretend to be sent by parents to pick up children.

But due to the strict policies of most schools, where they are required to contact the parents for verification, there has not been much success for the criminals.

READ: Victim narrowly escapes trafficker

Linden Police Station’s Constable Takalani Matumba has asked parents and schools to increase their security for their children and teach them about ‘stranger danger’.

She suspects that those who approach schools might be involved in human trafficking and are targeting vulnerable children.

“A parent must tell their child and the school in advance if there will be someone else who will fetch them,” said Matumba.

“Every child has an emergency contact in their files and the school must contact that number before they release the child even if the child seems to be familiar with who is there to pick them up.”

After the Randburg Sun article You could be the next target published Week ending 17 August, about the Linden police and victims support unit work with a potential victim of trafficking, there has been an outcry from the community.

They are pleading with the police to do more to keep their children safe from being abducted.

“Suspects conduct their research before they approach a target, so being tactful when meeting somebody new and not being too open about themselves is a good idea,” said Matumba.

“The community has come forward in their numbers to give us various information related to suspected traffickers and we are doing our best to investigate. We want to get the word out to the community to remain vigilant no matter who they are, as they might be the next victim. Girls and boys, young and old, anyone can be a potential target.”

According to Africa Check, a nonprofit, non-partisan fact-checking organisation, there has been very little research into the prevalence or patterns of human trafficking in South Africa.

Tips to keep your little ones safe:

•  Educate your children about human trafficking so they can recognise the indicators if they are in such a situation
• Technology forms a large part of how traffickers gain your children’s trust, so know their passwords and monitor their social media activity. If possible, activate your child’s GPS tracking on their smartphones if they have one
• Teach your children not to fear an adult who is threatening them and to report them to someone they trust
•  Take the time to listen intently to your children when they tell you they had a bad dream. There could be a reason. Listen to your children
• Talk to your children about inappropriate incidences you hear on the news and get their perspective on the matter.