‘Talent scout’ warning issued to models

IN the wake of an attempted abduction of a Mandlazini primary school girl, The Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre and members of the KZN Human Trafficking, Pornography, Prostitution and Brothels (HTPPB) Task Team, will be joining hands to raise awareness of the dangers of human trafficking.

This also after reports from a local modelling agency to members of the HTPPB Task Team about suspicious whatsapp messages from a ‘Chante’ pretending to be from a well-known children’s toys store, scouting for young children for a photo shoot.

According to the message, the ‘shoot’ pays R2 500 per model and a R1 000 shopping voucher from the toy store, plus meals and transport.

In a similar message from the same person, a well-known clothing store’s name is used, requesting five boys and five girls between the ages of two and 14 for a one-day shoot at R5 100 per model, plus a R1 500 gift voucher from the store, plus meals and transport.

The matter was reported to the Hawks and a highly qualified Durban-based independent researcher and member of the HTPPB Task team, confirmed that it was indeed a ploy to lure unsuspecting victims into a trap.

‘The same person was reported on the Crimedaily website.’ the expert said.

‘Aspiring models should hire agents from reputable and registered modelling agencies.

‘Don’t pay any money upfront for photo shoots and don’t fall for stories of people claiming to be international modelling scouts.

‘Don’t send photos to anybody of yourself in underwear and don’t ever meet ‘talent scouts’ anywhere.

‘Many young girls have been abducted, sexually assaulted, raped and even murdered because they took the bait.’

Human Trafficking Awareness Week will run from 22 February to 28 February.

Pastor Caroline Pitout of Freedom Generation SA says the organisation is proud to announce that they are now officially part of the National Freedom Network.

‘We will join SAPS and aim to reach the main schools in the area during the Human Trafficking week and from there we will systematically work through the rural schools, to spread the message.’

In a box:

•According to the People Search and Rescue Unit (PSARU), a child goes missing in South Africa every six hours.

•South Africa is ranked 5th in the world for abductions and kidnappings.

•Each year thousands of people are reported missing in South Africa.

•In 2011 over 1 700 children went missing in South Africa.