Human trafficking signs parents should look out for

Human trafficking is an alarming reality that is faced by people globally.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, trafficking of persons involves the act of selling, recruitment, transportation, delivery, transfer, exchange, leasing, harbouring or receipt of a person.

This can occur over international borders but can also occur within the borders of a country. This act can be done by means of force, threats, coercion, by abusing a persons vulnerability, abuse of power, fraud, abduction, kidnapping, deception or payments and is for the purpose of exploitation.

The rise in kidnappings and attempted child abduction incidents in South Africa is a major cause for concern.

A recent incident of an attempt to snatch a child at a restaurant in Johannesburg is one that should raise the alarm bells in parents so that they must be on high alert at all times.

The National Prosecuting Authority has shared the following guidelines for parents to protect their children.

Signs that a person may be a victim of trafficking:

• Evidence of being controlled.
• Evidence of inability to move or leave a job.
• Bruises or other signs of physical abuse.
• Not speaking on their own behalf.
• No passport or other documents of identification.
• Shows signs of drug addiction.
• Receives little or no payment for work done.
• No days off or works excessively long hours.

As parents, it is essential that you:

• Know your child’s whereabouts at all times.
• At a very early age teach your child their name, address, and telephone number.
• Show your children the nearest police station.
• Teach them how to call 10111 for help.
• Never leave children alone in the car, not even for a few seconds.
• Establish strict procedures for picking up children at school, after movies or from a friends house.
• Establish a family code word that only you, your child and a trusted friend knows.
• Teach your child to ask for the code word when approached by someone offering a lift.
• Have photographs taken of your children at least four times a year.
• Tell them not to give any information such as addresses, phone numbers, etc to strangers.
• Talk to your children about being wary of any strange vehicles loitering around.
• Teach them never to enter someone’s home without your approval.

Police are urging those, who might have any information on syndicates, to please come forward and assist in the fight against this serious crime.

For more information on human trafficking or to report a case, contact the National Human Trafficking Hot line on 0800-222-777 or the SAPS on 10111. You can also visit www.0800222777.org.za, www.a21.org or www.nationalfreedomnetwork.co.za