SEDIBENG. – The Sedibeng District SAPS Management has refuted the allegations of a human trafficking incident in the Kliprivier area after a voice note warning parents went viral.
In the voice note that has gone viral together with a picture of children, a alleges that 26 children were found and were ready to be trafficked. He further urged parents who have missing children to rush to the Kliprivier police station to identify the kids.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says: “We would like to put on record that there is no truth in the voice note messages circulating on social media platforms about an alleged kidnapping/human trafficking incident at Kliprivier area.”
Nevhuhulwi states that on Monday, 21 August 2023, police in Kliprivier received a complaint of a mob justice incident at Rietspruit.
“Upon arrival, they found the owner of an Islamic Foundation, who alleged that community members were accusing him of kidnapping children. The children are reported to be staying at the foundation with four caregivers and they attend bible studies after school and on weekends.
“The children were taken to the police station for safety as community members were threatening to burn the place down.
“The Department of Social Development was called in and it was established that the 16 children aged between eight and thirteen were voluntarily brought to the foundation by their parents to attend Islamic bible study. Through the assistance of the department, the children were safely collected by their parents. The police did not open any criminal case.”
The police have since urged the public to refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports, saying that this could lead to malicious damage to the falsely accused person’s property or even cost a life.
Community members are advised to report any criminal activities to the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or leave anonymous tip-offs on MySapsApp which can be downloaded on any smartphone.
