Department intervenes in Cape Town human trafficking case

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has intervened in a case of a 22 year-old woman, who is suspected to be a victim of human trafficking in Cape Town.

Our social workers in conjunction with our funded NGO partner, A21, which specializes in tackling human trafficking cases, rendered counselling services and have offered protection services to the victim.

The 22 year-old woman was trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation, and her well-being will be monitored by social workers and officials. This situation will thankfully have a positive outcome as the woman managed to escape her captors.

As we commemorate Women’s Month, it is sad to note that many other women do not manage to escape, and are exploited through the illegal sex trade and substance abuse.

Statistics for human trafficking are difficult to come by, especially for children. However the latest United States Trafficking in Persons annual report cited that in 2015 there were 41 cases in South Africa.

The Department views this incident in a serious light. This is woman abuse, and as a Department we have a zero tolerance approach to the abuse of women and children. There can be no excuses for men who abuse and exploit women, whether they are high profile politicians and socialites, or ordinary residents.

Our social workers, in partnership with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), will continue to investigate the circumstances around this case. The public with any information regarding suspected human trafficking can contact the SAPS on 10111 or the DSD hotline on 0800 220 250.