THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE NORTH WEST NABBED THREE MALAWIAN NATIONALS FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
Human trafficking is a global problem affecting the most marginalized
and vulnerable populations. Most of the people who are being trafficked
are used for various acts which includes, criminality, various forms of
slavery (cheap/child labor, prostitution, etc.)
These members of the South African Police Service stationed in
Boitekong North West Province were busy with their routine patrol duties
when they stopped a suspicious truck driving at high speed in the early
hours of Sunday, the 24th July 2016.
On investigation and during the search fifty seven (57) undocumented
children aged between 11 and 21 years were found in the back of a
delivery truck which is without windows. Eighteen (18) of these children
are girls (females) while thirty nine (39) of them are boys (males).
These children were transported by the three adult occupants including
the driver who are Malawian nationals. These adults could not provide a
satisfactory account on the status of all the children.
The driver and his two companions were arrested for human
trafficking. Further probe has revealed that all children were also
Malawian Nationals. An investigation is currently underway which
involves authorities and law enforcement agencies including engagements
with our counterparts in Malawi. The response and cooperation of the
Embassy of Malawi in this regard is appreciated.
The members of the service are applauded for the arrest and
apprehension of the three suspects thereby saving the children from
being abused. The issues related to how these children were able to
cross the borders of our country including how they were able to reach
Rustenburg is a matter of serious concern. The outcome of the
investigation in finding answers to all the related questions is thus
eagerly awaited.
We will continue to crack down on the transnational criminal
organizations / syndicates involved in the smuggling and exploitation of
migrants. We are further calling on all the community members to rally
behind the police in dealing with the scourge.
Members of the public are urged to be vigilant and report any
suspicious behavior in regards to alleged human trafficking for
Investigation to SAPS 10111. Human trafficking is a serious human right
violation and the South African Police Service will ensure that it
follows up on leads which will assist in reducing such incidences.
The suspects were processed and appeared briefly at the Rustenburg
Regional Magistrates’ Court this morning of Tuesday, 26 July 2016. Their
case is postponed to the 13th of September 2016, they are facing 57
counts of human trafficking. These three accused persons are remanded in
custody until their next appearance before court.
Furthermore, the Child Care Act 38 of 2005 takes into account the
best interest of the child. Section 152 of the same act gives authority
to a police office and or social worker to remove the child and place
them in a safe facility, if a child is in need of care and protection.
The 57 children are in compliance with the laws of our country
accommodated at a place safety (Care Center) under the auspices of the
Department of Social Development in the North West Province. These
centers provide support and care in line with the Child Care Act. Though
our thorough investigation and information gathering it can be
confirmed that the children were transported for the sole purpose of
human trafficking, and our team is working around the clock to get more
information on the intended destination of the children.
The South African Police Service will continue to implement the laws
of our country in pursuance of a safe and secure environment for all the
people in South Africa.
We remain committed through our Back to Basics Approach to realize
the vision envisaged by the National Development Plan where in 2030
women and children will be walking freely in the streets of our country.
Published on
South Africa Today – South Africa News
