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Human trafficking is when people are removed from their homes under false pretences or by force and taken to another place inside or outside the country, in order for them to be exploited.
People are trafficked for different purposes, for example: prostitution, forced labour or the removal of their body parts.
“Children, young people and adults alike, particularly the unemployed who are looking for opportunities to improve their life conditions, might fall victim to these types of crime,” said Uitenhage Cluster police spokesperson, Lieutenant Gerda Swart.
The law on sexual offences makes it a crime to traffic an adult or a child in order to exploit them sexually. The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 protects children from being trafficked for all purposes. It is illegal for any child below the age of 15 years to be out of school and to be employed.
“Look out for people, who say they have job opportunities that promise a lot of money in a short space of time.
Teach your children to be careful of adults who try to befriend them, whether in person, or through cellphone or social media,” said Lieutenant Swart.
- Any person who knows or ought reasonably to have known or suspected that a child or an adult is a victim of trafficking must immediately report it to the police. Contact SAPS Uitenhage: 041 996 3438 or Crime Stop 08600 10111 or Crime Line SMS 32211.
