Human trafficking is on the increase, with Zimbabwean cross-border transporters allegedly doing a roaring business transporting desperate unemployed people to various destinations in South Africa.

According to a report released by Zimbabwe Human Rights (ZimRights), gangs known as Omalayitshaare said to be preying on people, particularly women who wished to leave the country without sufficient documentation.

They usually use South African-registered vehicles at the Zimbabwe/South African border post at Beitbridge.

The gangs charge a fee upfront at Beitbridge to transport their clients illegally into South Africa, the report says.

However, soon after crossing into South Africa they make requests for large sums of money, which they are fully aware the hapless passengers cannot afford.

"Failure to meet the demands results in confiscation of mobile phones and jewellery as part payment, after which victims are then detained in houses in outlying areas, sometimes with the knowledge of the South African Police Service (SAPS)," the report claims.

"These shrewd Omalayitsha use victims' mobile phones to call relatives of the victims demanding more money, or use the victim as sex or manual labour slaves. Some witnesses revealed men are forced into crime while women are often forced to commit sexual acts with various men as payment, exposing them to deadly diseases such as HIV/Aids."

Zimbabwe Cross-Border Traders Association president Killa Zivhu said the kidnappers usually demanded R5000.

"The practice is now more widespread and the gangs are becoming well-organised and more vicious," said Zivhu.

ZimRights director Okay Machisa said his organisation called on all Zimbabweans to travel with adequate documents and to be on the lookout for unscrupulous people who want to exploit their vulnerability.

"In as much as people are in pursuit of greener pastures each one of us must prioritise the security of our lives. ZimRights also urges government to focus its attention on this problem of human trafficking, which is fast becoming a global crisis."

Meanwhile, the International Organisation on Migration (IOM) has put up giant billboards at Beitbridge, warning people about the dangers of illegal migration.

It has also set up reception centres for survivors, where most are tested for sexually transmitted infections and assisted to return home and start a new life.