Trafficking is snowballing

MODERN-DAY SLAVERY: GENERATING BILLIONS FOR TRADERS OF VULNERABLE PEOPLE

Failing to report this crime makes the person liable for prosecution and jail time.

Human trafficking, which has been described as “modern-day slavery”, is regarded as the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world, generating billions of dollars for traffickers.

South Africa ratified legislation dealing with all forms of human trafficking just in time for the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, according to Berea Mail.

The Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act establishes the offence of human trafficking and related offences, stipulates penalties, provides for protection and assistance for victims, and the return and repatriation of foreign victims.

Trafficking involves the act of selling, recruiting, transporting, delivering, transferring, exchanging, leasing, harbouring or receiving of a person and can occur over international borders and within the borders of a country.

Regional communications manager of the National Prosecuting Authority in KwaZuluNatal Natasha Kara said: “Curbing the scourge of human trafficking is one of our priorities as an organisation.

“We are the lead department in the KZN human trafficking, harmful traditional practices, pornography, prostitution and brothels task team.

“As a member of the public, if you come across a child who is the victim of trafficking, you have a legal duty to report this to the police. Failure to report it can result in you being prosecuted and, if convicted, receiving a sentence of up to five years’ imprisonment.”

For more information on human trafficking or to report any cases of human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline on 0800-222-777.