Buccleuch community works to put a stop to human trafficking
Solid Community Church in Buccleuch, and local authorities, gathered for Human Trafficking Awareness Day, equipping residents with essential knowledge to identify and combat trafficking in their neighbourhoods.
“Trafficking in persons is often a hidden crime which can take place in our neighbourhoods and homes, and many remain unaware of how to identify it.”
These were the words from Solid Community Church board member and law enforcement consultant Brian Poliah when his church hosted Human Trafficking Awareness Day, in collaboration with the Sandton SAPS, Sandton Community Policing Forum (CPF) and non-profit organisation Unchain the Children.
With a deep commitment to fighting trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants through his work on the Southern African Migrant Management Programme, Poliah emphasised the necessity of community awareness. “It’s crucial that parents and community members understand the indicators of suspicious behaviour and possible trafficking. Because, when communities come together, and more people are aware of this type of crime, we have a better way of being effective in fighting it.”
Also read: President announces intervention in Sandton Drive renaming
The event provided attendees with vital information about trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, focusing on the indicators that might help in recognising these unlawful activities. The aim was to equip members of the Buccleuch community with knowledge that fosters proactive engagement in identifying and combating such crimes.
Sergeant Mpho Lechaba, the social crime prevention officer for Sandton SAPS, echoed Poliah’s sentiments during the event. “Today was all about raising awareness about human trafficking – what it is, what to look out for, and how individuals can protect themselves.”
Lechaba highlighted the various forms trafficking can take, including sexual trafficking, warning attendees: “If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure to investigate it further before engaging, as you could become a victim of human trafficking.”
To empower the community further, SAPS has developed a pamphlet featuring important information and a toll-free number for reporting suspicious activities. “If you suspect trafficking is occurring, don’t hesitate to call our crime stop tip-off line: 08600 10111, or the human trafficking resource line: 0800 222 777. You can remain anonymous, and your report could lead to timely police intervention,” Lechaba advised.
Also read: City of Johannesburg Mayor unveils ambitious plan to plant 200 000 trees in Johannesburg
Lechaba also shared some tips on what people can do to prevent trafficking in persons:
- Do not be tempted by a promise of a lucrative job far away from home.
- When an offer is too good to be true, then it is not true.
- The Department of Labour in your area can help you validate job offers, particularly outside your province or country.
- Look out for people who offer job opportunities that promise a lot of money within a short period of time.
- Research all job offers, especially ones that only provide cell phone numbers.
- Find out if anyone in the community has heard of that company before.
- Speak to your parents, a teacher, or a trusted adult about opportunities presented to you, ie modelling, acting, work, sport, or travel.
- Teach your children to be careful and wary of adults who try to befriend them, especially through cell phones or social media.
- Be careful with social media like Facebook and WhatsApp.
- Always let someone know where you are going and whom you will be with at all times.
Looking forward, Poliah said: “This is just the beginning. Solid Community Church plans to embark on more projects throughout the year, reaching out to our community and amplifying awareness campaigns to help fight this global issue.”
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
