Don’t advertise – human traffickers are watching
Human trafficking largely takes place for the purpose of sexual exploitation, but labour and organ trafficking are also happening right on our doorstep.
PHOTOS of one’s grandchild’s ‘kissable’ naked baby bottom or your toddler in a cute bikini on the beach do not belong on Facebook or other social media platforms where it may be manipulated and used by paedophile rings.
This was the sobering message by members of the KZN Human Trafficking, Harmful Traditional Practices, Pornography, Prostitution and Brothels Task Team, speaking at the Zululand Women’s Institute gathering on Saturday at Pelican Hall.
Pastor Caroline Pitout, founder of Freedom Generation SA, said human trafficking largely takes place for the purpose of sexual exploitation, but labour and organ trafficking are also happening right on our doorstep.
‘Do not advertise your child on social media. Syndicates are targeting infants as well as adults up to about 35 years of age for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
‘They work according to a ‘shopping list’ containing their clients’ preferences, such as hair and eye colour and age. You show them where to get a child fitting that description.’
She referred to the abduction of a four-year-old albino boy of eSikhaweni, which led to the arrest of a woman who allegedly attempted to sell a 12 year-old albino to a local sangoma for R100 000 and said she had three more.
‘There have been reports in the media about children being targeted in shopping malls.
‘If you are in a public area, hold the child’s hand tightly – do not let them out of sight for a minute.
‘Criminals study you for a time before they take their opportunity.
‘Statistic show that as much as 47% of victims know the perpetrator. It often happens that a child is raped or molested while sleeping over at a friend’s house. Therefore, do not let them sleep out,’ Pitout said.
Labour trafficking
‘Labour trafficking is also rife in the area, with many victims not even realising they are being exploited.
‘Some people may lend money from others with an agreement to repay it with labour.
‘Over time, the employment circumstances change and the debt is never repaid, no matter how hard and long the victim works.
‘Many victims are in the country illegally and traffickers take their passports and identity documents.
‘A surprising number of people consult unscrupulous sangomas about how to get rich, return a lover, insure a favourable outcome in a court case or penis enlargements. This creates a market for organ trafficking.’
Zululand Observer journalist and lawyer Rachelle Breed gave an overview of the Prevention and Combating of the Trafficking in Person’s Act which was implemented last year and cases covered in courts and the media in Zululand.
Chairperson of the Mzingazi Women’s Institute, Pat Patterson, said although the facts are shocking, women should know the truth to empower themselves and others.
The institute meets on the first Wednesday of every month at the Pelican Hall on the ZCBF show grounds at 5pm.
All women are welcome to join.
For more information about human trafficking, visit Freedom Generation SA’s Facebook page and website, www.freedomgeneration.co.za or follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
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