Primrose CPF urges residents to be warry of human trafficking activities near

The Gauteng Department of Social Development’s report about finding eight Mozambican teenage males working at a Nigel factory rekindled memories for Primrose residents.

The police found the boys during a raid initiated by the Department of Labour and Employment after it received information that a Chinese factory in Nigel employed children and undocumented foreign nationals in January.

The children, aged between 13 and 17, were placed at the Mary Moodley Child and Youth Care Centre in Benoni.

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The Gauteng Department of Social Development runs the centre, and a case of child labour, poor working conditions, and employing undocumented minors was opened against the owner of a Nigel electrical supply company.

Baby Makhumisani, a social work manager from the department’s Nigel office in Ekurhuleni, said repatriating the children will spotlight the problem of child trafficking as part of Child Protection Week awareness.

“The children are happy, and we are happy as a team because we managed to complete the matter,” said Makhumisani.

Reports about the boys rekindled memories of residents, reminding them of the human trafficking incident that rocked the community last year.

On September 4, the Hawks reported that a case of human trafficking was under investigation after more than 100 men, of which the youngest is reportedly about 10, were found locked inside a house on School Avenue, Sunnyridge, in Primrose.

The men were found during a raid on September 1 at about 10:00.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale then said a case of human trafficking was under investigation.

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Primrose CPF chairperson Tracy Enslin warned residents to be wary of suspicious actions in their areas and urged them to report suspicious activities to officials and shared human trafficking tips residents should know.

“As we witnessed with human trafficking last year in the area, it is concerning. Residents are encouraged to report any unusual behaviour in their neighbourhood.

“If you find a home with cardboard box-covered or spray-painted windows, report it. Report any unpleasant odours emanating from your neighbour’s house.

“In other circumstances, the ‘victims’ do not use proper sanitation measures, instead using buckets needing frequent emptying.

“Other signs include late-night home activity and the coming and going of late-night and mid-morning vehicles,” said Enslin.

Enslin argued that human trafficking could be problematic to handle because of interconnected socioeconomic issues.

“In Primrose, we usually deal with girls who stroll the streets to and from parties at all hours. You might occasionally find small children on their way to or from school. These individuals are easy to kidnap.

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“We encourage parents to match their children with older learners in the community to go to school together. The elders can help protect the younger ones when crossing the road.

“In one of our informal settlements, a lady neglected her children, leaving the four-year-old to care for the toddler while she went to sheebeen. After several conversations, we had to call in social services to assist.

“Neglected youngsters are vulnerable to kidnapping and human trafficking. Previously, we had a 15-year-old girl who was embarrassed to go home because she had started prostitution in Primrose, so we arranged transportation and sent her home.

“When dealing with foreigners in human trafficking, we often discover that most individuals trafficked volunteer to be transported. People sometimes believe that they will find better jobs and support their families once they arrive in the country.

“As the CPF, we increase awareness and hope parents join our efforts to combat crime in the neighbourhood.

“Parents must assume responsibility for their children’s whereabouts. Last year, we had a situation in which two girls were kidnapped on separate occasions, and a ransom was sought.

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“After receiving the cash, the girls were dumped near their houses,” said Enslin.

Makhumisani said one of the eight boys expressed concern for his mother, who was unaware he was smuggled to SA.

“Further inquiry revealed that he got into the taxi that transported them to SA because other boys were wearing fancy footwear and holding iPhones, which he envied. He had hoped to work and support his family back home,” said Makhumisani.