Solutions to combat abuse and the arrest of suspects linked to human trafficking were among the issues discussed during the provincial launch of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. The event was hosted at Ezinambeni, Vosman, in Emalahleni Local Municipality on Thursday, November 27.

Premier Mandla Ndlovu called for the urgent apprehension of a suspect accused of luring young people to Thailand with promises of work, only for them to be exploited as slaves.

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According to the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL), a total of 17 young people fell victim to this scheme. The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, told the gathering that 14 of these victims have been safely brought home with assistance from the Department of International Relations and Co-operation. He stressed that the perpetrator(s) must be brought to book before the end of the year.

DCSSL spokesperson Moeti Mmusi said efforts are under way to repatriate the remaining three victims.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign, observed annually from November 25 to December 10, aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), challenge discriminatory attitudes toward victims, and call for improved laws and services to end GBVF.

Provincial statistics for the first quarter of 2025/26 show that Vosman Police Station ranks among the top five in Mpumalanga for contact crimes, which include murder, attempted murder, rape and assault with grievous bodily harm.

According to the Office of the Premier, most rape cases in the province occur in the residences of either the perpetrators or the victims. Other locations include streets, open fields, recreational parks, parking areas and abandoned buildings.

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Statistics on GBVF – where women and children were the victims – indicate that at least 764 cases were reported during the first quarter. Regarding domestic violence-related crimes, Nkangala District recorded 38%, Ehlanzeni 36%, and Gert Sibande 26%.

“We must all work together – government, communities, and all formations – to end this scourge,” said Ndlovu. He urged traditional leaders and business entities to assist in preventing and resolving cases of abuse.

The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa’s president, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, attributed the abuse of women and children to men who are jealous, possessive and have an inferiority complex.

Meanwhile, various departments provided support to GBV victims, including seedlings, fridges for small businesses, food parcels for child-headed households and survivors, and salon equipment for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs.