Statistics show that 1 in every 2 persons who have fallen prey to human trafficking – in South Africa – was lured by the promise of a job opportunity. Many of the victims are transported via trains and buses.

These are just some of the alarming statistics shared by the Western Cape Department of Social Development, The A21 Campaign and SAPS at a joint awareness event in Cape Town on Monday. The briefing was held ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which is observed annually on 30 July.

🟡We’re at the Cape Town Train Station, at a Human Trafficking Awareness Event. It is hosted by the WC Department of Social Development and PRASA, with A21, and SAPS in attendance. This is ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. 📸: Lizell Persens pic.twitter.com/qHC4AcACtF

— Smile90.4 FM (@Smile904FM) July 29, 2024

The theme for this year is “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”.

READ MORE: Third suspect sought and arrested for human trafficking

Social Development MEC Jaco Londt said it is a crime that is hidden in plain sight:

“In South Africa, the Western Cape and Gauteng are the two provinces that has the most victims. Victims are going through our transport hubs every single day. People must have a look around them and if they see someone that might be a victim, they should report it to 0800 222 777,” said Londt.

Furthermore, Londt highlighted that joining ties with transport entities will enable the fight against this crime:

“It is fantastic that there is now a commitment from PRASA to have a quarterly engagement but we need many more partners to join. We need the taxi association, long distances buses etc. Every single person that is in the transport industry, the movement of people need to step up and be aware,” added Londt.

In addition, The A21 campaign’s Katie Modrau shed light on the methods criminals use:

“47.6% of the cases identified last year were required via a false job opportunity. And this is the kicker, 14.3% of the victims we assisted were recruited via family and friends. 11.9% were recruited by a lover boy, false relationships. Someone they’ve just met who said, “move with me to Cape Town”,” elaborated Modrau.

Modrau said it is concerning that; a high number of victims were sold by their own relatives:

“16.9% were sold by family members. The Joslin Smith case can come to mind in moments like this. You think it’s horrific, that is a once off but it’s not. Of the cases identified last year, 16.7% were sold by family members, and it speaks of the vulnerability and the desperation that we have within the country, which makes us the perfect hunting ground or incubator for trafficking,” concluded Modrau.