Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign Launched in Ekurhuleni
“However, she was allegedly sold and trafficked to Myanmar before being transferred to Cambodia and Malaysia, where she was forced to work at a scam call centre,” the Gauteng Department of Social Development said.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted a Trafficking in Persons awareness campaign at the Germiston taxi rank in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday. The initiative followed the recent return of a 24-year-old South African woman who was trafficked through several countries after accepting what she believed was a legitimate employment opportunity in Thailand, The Citizen reported.
The victim left South Africa in March 2015 after a family friend arranged the job in Southeast Asia. She eventually sought support from the South African Embassy in Malaysia and the International Organization for Migration to secure her return home.
Stakeholders partner to reach commuters at transport hubs
Key stakeholders including the South African Police Service, the City of Ekurhuleni, the Gauteng Department of Health, and the Department of Employment and Labour partnered for the event. Social Worker and Trafficking in Persons ambassador Solomon Khoza explained the choice of location.
“We believe that our people still lack sufficient information about this crime against humanity. We therefore want communities to remain alert and report any suspicious activities related to trafficking in persons,” Khoza said.
Transport hubs provide an ideal platform to reach thousands of commuters and travellers daily. The department offers comprehensive victim support, including psychosocial care, temporary safe accommodation through accredited shelters, medical referrals, and reintegration services.
Authorities urge caution regarding overseas job offers
Multi-sectoral responses involve the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the Department of Home Affairs. Authorities urge residents to exercise extreme caution with overseas job offers.
“The department continues to urge residents to exercise caution when responding to employment offers, particularly those promising attractive salaries or opportunities abroad without proper verification,” the department said.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the victim return to South Africa?
The victim sought support from the South African Embassy in Malaysia and the International Organization for Migration, which facilitated her return.
Which agencies participated in the Germiston taxi rank campaign?
The South African Police Service, the City of Ekurhuleni, the Gauteng Department of Health, and the Department of Employment and Labour partnered for the outreach.
What support services do victims receive?
The Gauteng Department of Social Development provides psychosocial support, temporary safe accommodation, medical referrals, family reunification, and long-term aftercare programmes.
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