FOR eight months a Wentworth family waited in uncertainty and fear for their loved one to return after they were sold the idea of living the dream life of working abroad. The family’s sleepless nights were not in vain as that family was made whole again.

Also read: Taken in plain sight: Human trafficking grips Wentworth community

A traumatic experience

While months of unanswered prayers have finally been answered, the reunion brought back a man broken and deeply traumatised to the point that he cannot discuss what he went through.

For the family, the reunion marks an emotional end to months of uncertainty but also the beginning of a long journey towards healing. A family member to the victim said that they would never wish anyone to go through what they did.

“It was very stressful; we were in a constant state of fear and anxiety not knowing what will happen next. We smile on the outside but are screaming on the inside with every passing day. When he came back, we all cried tears of joy thanking God for having his hand of protection over their family,” said a family member.

Cannot shake it off

The family member said the effects of the ordeal remain painfully visible on the victim. Although the victim is home they have not been able to express or show proper emotions.

Also read: Police commissioner addresses human trafficking and other allegations

“He is dealing with a lot of psychological hurt and pain, it will take a long time before they can get back to who they are,” said the family member.

Deceptive deals

According to the family member, the victim was not foolishly recruited but rather deceived by someone who he had known for a long time.

“These are males known by the community and the victims, they would be in and out of the countries portraying the rich and dream life all over their social media. They would then offer people in the community the chance to live the life that he has. The people in our community are desperate for a stable job that could bring in a steady income, so they fall into their trap,” said the family member.

The harsh reality of it all is that human trafficking does not discriminate and anyone can be taken at any time.

Hawks intervention

Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, Hawks spokesperson, said the current trend is young coloured boys between the ages of 19 and 26 with the communication done mainly through WhatsApp.

Also read: Police create awareness on human trafficking

Mhlongo previously confirmed that they had been investigating one human trafficking docket at the Wentworth police station, while multiple complaints of suspected human trafficking are being dealt with at the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.

The recent ordeal and investigation have raised concerns over the targeting of young people through recruitment networks that operate through familiarity, social media and promises of employment.

“Trafficking networks operate through deception. Once a young person is taken, communication is restricted, identification documents are confiscated, and victims are placed in situations of forced labour, exploitation and abuse. Many families only realise something is wrong when it is already too late,” said Mhlongo.

While the family can now breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate being reunited with their loved one, the whole ordeal has left them traumatised. From months of wondering if they would see him again, they no longer have to wonder.

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