PROJECT: PREVENTING CHILD EXPLOITATION AND TR*FFICKING

isabels39
Jun 6
5 min read

Updated: Jun 9

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Child exploitation and tr*fficking remain serious and deeply concerning issues in South Africa.

Despite legislative protections and national efforts to combat these crimes, vulnerable children continue to fall victim to innumerable forms of ab*se, including forced labour, s*xual exploitation, domestic servitude, and involvement in criminal networks. The prevention of child tr*fficking requires a collective effort from the government, communities, educators,

parents, and the private sector to protect children, educate the public, and dismantle trafficking networks.

THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM:

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), children make up nearly 30% of all tr*fficking victims globally, with girls being disproportionately affected by sexual exploitation.
In South Africa, the situation is compounded by high levels of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, which create an environment in which tr*ffickers prey on vulnerable communities.
The United States Tr*fficking in Persons (TIP) Report lists South Africa as a source, transit, and destination country for human tr*fficking.
Children as young as 10 are tr*fficked for forced begging, s*xual exploitation, and use in criminal enterprises.
In 2022, over 1,000 cases of suspected child tr*fficking were reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS), while only a fraction resulted in successful prosecutions.

COMMON FORMS OF CHILD EXPLOITATION AND TRAFFICKING:

S*XUAL EXPLOITATION:
- Children are forced into pr*stitution, p*rnography, or s*xually abusive "relationships" with tr*ffickers.
FORCED LABOUR:
- Some are made to work in domestic households, farms, or illicit markets under abusive conditions.
CHILD SOLDIERS OR CRIMINAL GANGS:
- Children are coerced or manipulated into committing crimes or joining gangs.
ONLINE EXPLOITATION:
- Increasing numbers are lured via social media, gaming platforms, or chat apps.
CULTURAL PRACTICES:
- In some cases, traditional practices like forced marriage or ukuthwala (abduction for marriage) contribute to exploitation.

LEGAL PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN IN SOUTH AFRICA:

South Africa has several laws and international commitments in place to protect children from tr*fficking:
- Prevention and Combating of Tr*fficking in Persons Act (Act 7 of 2013) criminalises all forms of tr*fficking and provides for the prosecution of offenders and the protection of victims.
- Children's Act 38 of 2005 safeguards children's rights, including protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
- South Africa is a signatory to international treaties, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Palermo Protocol.
Despite this legal framework, implementation remains uneven, with low conviction rates and challenges in identifying victims, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

**RECOGNISING THE SIGNS OF TR*FFICKING:**

Parents, teachers, and community members must stay alert to behavioural and physical warning signs that may indicate a child is being groomed or tr*fficked:
- Sudden behavioural changes or withdrawal from family and school.
- Unexplained possession of expensive items.
- Older or controlling relationships.
- Fear, anxiety, or signs of physical abuse.
- Going missing frequently or having unexplained absences.
- Secrecy around online communications or use of multiple social media accounts.

THE ROLE OF PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY:

Prevention begins at home. Parents and caregivers should:
- Foster open communication and trust with their children.
- Monitor online activity and educate children about online safety.
- Be aware of who your children are spending time with, both in person and digitally.
- Encourage children to report uncomfortable or suspicious interactions.
- Report any suspected tr*fficking activity to SAPS or child protection organisations.
Schools and churches also play a crucial role by incorporating tr*fficking awareness into educational programmes and providing safe reporting channels for at-risk youth.

RESPONSE AND SUPPORT SERVICES:

Victims of tr*fficking require trauma-informed care and access to justice. South Africa has several support mechanisms in place, including:

Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) – one-stop facilities for victims of sexual violence.
Childline SA – provides counselling and emergency support.
Specialised Security Services (SSS) led by Mike Bolhuis – known for actively investigating child tr*fficking and exploitation cases, working closely with law enforcement, families, and NGOs to identify victims and dismantle criminal networks.

SSS has a proven history of reuniting tr*fficked children with their families and

helping parents navigate the legal and recovery process.

Families in crisis are encouraged to contact Mike Bolhuis directly for immediate, confidential support.

Prevention of child exploitation and tra*fficking in South Africa requires coordinated, long-term efforts rooted in law enforcement, community education, and strong social support systems. According to the South African Police Service and international bodies such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the country remains both a source and transit point for tr*fficking, with children being among the most vulnerable. Despite legislation like the Prevention and Combating

of Tr*fficking in Persons Act (2013), successful prosecutions remain limited, and underreporting is common owing to fear,

stigma, and lack of awareness.

Mr. Mike Bolhuis and Specialised Security Services (SSS) have played a critical role in identifying victims, exposing tr*fficking networks, and supporting families when traditional authorities fail to act. For cases where law enforcement is unresponsive or unavailable, SSS serves as a vital point of intervention. Members of the public are encouraged to report any signs of exploitation directly to SSS or trusted child protection organisations. Combating trafficking is not the job of only the state,

it requires active involvement from every sector of society.

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeBolhuisOfficial

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.

POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv