The provincial head of the Hawks; Major General Mbana and her team flocked at Orkney, Stilfontein and  Klerksdorp taxi ranks on 26 May to educate and sensitize the community about the seriousness of Trafficking in persons. The community was  educated about their rights and encouraged to open up. The victims of Human Trafficking were assured that the Hawks in the North West will leave no stone unturned when cases of trafficking in persons are reported.  Before the campaign started, the Hawks members woke up at the crack of dawn and Disruptive Operations were conducted. A large amount of Dagga was uncovered in one of the houses that were raided. According to the Provincial Head this was necessary because drugs go hand in hand with Trafficking in persons.

Marked Hawks vehicles were escorted by traffic officers and the fire brigade to Orkney, Stilfontein and Klerksdorp taxi ranks where the Hawks’ Human Trafficking Co-ordinator – Colonel Motswane passionately addressed the community about Trafficking in persons. Amongst others, the occasion was graced by the presence of the Deputy National Head of the Hawks – Lieutenant General Matakata, the Mayor of Matlhosana  Honourable Khauoe as well as the senior management of SAPS.

The Hawks then marched a 5km distance from Klerksdorp taxi rank to the Ballroom hall at the Klerksdorp municipality where a formal address was held. The marchers were holding different placards, some of them were written “#Human Trafficking Must Fall”. The mayor of Klerksdorp; Mr Khauoe, Major General Ledwaba on behalf of the Deputy National Head, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Justice and the Department of Home Affairs addressed the community and students.

“Today marks a very significant day for the North West province. The Hawks today is saying ENOUGH IS ENOUGH to Human Trafficking. The aim of this campaign is to sensitize and educate the community about the reality of Human Trafficking. Human Trafficking is not something that only happens in big cities or in the movies, traffickers of persons walk amongst us. Why did we go to the taxi ranks today? We knew that through word of mouth, the information would spread to the other towns in the province. Traffickers also use the same mode of public transport that we all use. Human trafficking is a worldwide problem that affects everyone, both men& women, young & old.” said Major General Mbana.

The Hawks recently arrested a Mozambican citizen who trafficked seven (7) boys from Mozambique. The Provincial head said “We have tracked that hardened criminal and arrested him. He appeared in court and we successfully opposed bail. Those children are currently in a place of safety”.

General Mbana concluded her speech by saying “It is for this reason that the Hawks have joined forces with different stakeholders such as the Department of Justice, the Department of Social Development and the Department of Home Affairs. We want to ensure that everyone who is here today leaves with detailed knowledge about Human Trafficking. Furthermore we would like to urge any persons that can assist us in catching these criminals associated with human trafficking, sexual exploitation and drug dealing, to come forth with information. We therefore urge the stakeholders to join forces with the Hawks to fight this crippling battle of Human Trafficking.”

Indeed the message was well received by the community of the North West because since yesterday afternoon, the Hawks office has been receiving phone calls from community members who heard through the grapevine about the campaign and these people have come forward with information.