NC (Northern Cape) a human trafficking hotspot | News24

The Northern Cape is a human trafficking hotspot, and deemed a reality in Postmasburg.

“The possibility of work at Kolomela and other surrounding mines attracts people to Postmasburg with unrealistic expectations. This leads to growing informal settlements and poverty, increased drug abuse, and the potential for human trafficking. Poverty makes people more vulnerable to human trafficking,” said Mavis Kolberg, manager corporate affairs at Kolomela mine.

Kolomela and Families South Africa (Famsa) recently joint forces to create awareness on human trafficking in the area.

Jeanny van der Merwe, Famsa manager in Postmasburg, says human trafficking is the trade of humans, mainly women and children, for forced labour, sexual slavery or prostitution.

It often starts with false promises for a better life, or a person can be drugged or forcefully abducted. The inhumanity of the abuse, the violence and the sheer volume of the problem makes human trafficking one of the greatest injustices in the world.

To keep yourself safe from this, be beware of smooth-talking strangers. Traffickers often seem harmless and might be well-dressed, young and good-looking.

Avoid unsafe situations. Do not travel alone or walk alone at night in deserted streets. If you think you are being followed, find a crowded place. Alert the police, friends and family. Drop a pin of your location and describe the potential perpetrator.

Be aware of your surroundings. If a person or car is following you, alert someone immediately.

When on social media, check your privacy settings, turn off your location settings, and only make your posts visible to your friends. Avoid checking in at places on social media.

Report suspicious behaviour at the National Human Trafficking Hotline on 0800-222-777. Also, report a missing person immediately. There is no waiting period. Call the police in Postmasburg on 053-313-9301.