Limpopo SAPS launch partnership to fight human trafficking

The number of reported human trafficking incidents in Polokwane in Limpopo increased by 40 cases in the space of one week.

The startling statistics were shared by Major-General Nonhlanhla Zulu on behalf of the Limpopo SAPS during a special briefing to launch human trafficking awareness week in the province on Monday.

Zulu said reports of human trafficking incidents in Polokwane shot up from 37 cases last week to 77 reported incidents.

• Global anti-human trafficking project launched in SAThe Department of Home Affairs‚ together with the European Union and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)‚ on Thursday launched a system that seeks to strengthen the criminal justice response to human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants.  

Zulu also mentioned cases in other areas‚ including Thabazimbi‚ where 45 children were trafficked; Marble Hall‚ where 67 Malawian nationals were found to have been trafficked; while Tzaneen currently had five reported cases.

Limpopo is known as one of the hotspots for human trafficking in South Africa due to its location making it an entry point from neighbouring countries including Botswana‚ Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Provincial police also announced a partnership with civil organisation Stop Trafficking of People (STOP) in an effort to tackle the crime. The organisation’s director‚ Corrine Sandenbergh‚ said they were looking forward to working hand in hand with police in fighting the problem.

Sandenbergh said that people who were being trafficked were often coerced‚ assaulted and threatened by traffickers‚ which made it difficult for them to speak out.

She said the organisation would train officers using a manual they had developed on how to identify‚ handle and assist possible victims.

Sandenbergh said she was hopeful that new legislation would help tackle the crime.

“We are going to see the most amazing results. I believe there is going to come a time when human trafficking is impossible in SA‚” she said.