PROJECT: THE EXPONENTIAL INCREASE IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN SOUTH AFRICA (PART 1)

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May 5
7 min read

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The tragic case of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who went missing from Saldanha Bay in early 2024, took a grim turn with the conviction of her mother on charges related to human trafficking. In a case that shocked the nation, it emerged that Joshlin's own mother was involved in a disturbing plot that allegedly saw the child handed over to individuals linked to trafficking networks. The conviction marks a pivotal development in a case that has drawn widespread media attention and public outrage, underscoring the dark realities of child exploitation in South Africa.

This conviction has sparked renewed calls for stronger protections for vulnerable children and harsher penalties for those involved in trafficking. Civil society organisations and child welfare advocates have condemned the betrayal of trust at the heart of the case, highlighting the urgent need for community vigilance and support systems to prevent similar tragedies. As the legal process continues for the other accused, the focus now turns to ensuring justice for Joshlin and uncovering the full extent of the trafficking network she may have fallen victim to. The case has become a stark reminder of the hidden dangers facing many children in South Africa, especially in impoverished and marginalised communities.

Further highlighting the pervasive nature of human trafficking in the country, South African police recently rescued 44 Ethiopian nationals, including 17 minors, from a house in the affluent suburb of Parkmore, Sandton. The men were found locked in rooms under dire conditions, with some appearing malnourished and injured. Authorities believe they were trafficked into the country by individuals who may have demanded ransom fees for their release.

This is yet another incident that underscores the alarming reach of trafficking networks, even into well-to-do neighbourhoods, and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat such crimes.

Human trafficking is a grave and growing crisis in South Africa, violating the most basic human rights and causing unimaginable suffering for thousands of victims. Despite increased awareness, this hidden crime continues to thrive,

fueled by profit, inequality, and weak enforcement.

WHY CRIMINALS ENGAGE IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING:

At its core, human trafficking is driven by profit.
It is one of the most lucrative forms of organised crime, often compared to drug and arms trafficking.
However, unlike drugs or weapons, people can be exploited repeatedly, making human trafficking especially appealing to criminal networks.
Several other factors contribute to the persistence of this crime:
- DEMAND FOR CHEAP LABOUR:
  - Many industries, from agriculture to domestic work, exploit individuals, often migrants or the poor, for cheap or unpaid labour.
  - Victims are used in farms, factories, and households.
  - They are trapped in exploitative household roles without pay or freedom.
  - https://www.kbc.co.ke/un-judge-jailed-for-keeping-housekeeper-as-slave/
- SEXUAL EXPLOITATION:
  - Traffickers often target women and children for sexual exploitation, feeding an ever-present demand in the illegal sex trade.
  - Victims are sold to brothels, escort services, or online platforms.
- ORGAN HARVESTING:
  - Although rarer, cases exist where victims are trafficked for their organs.
- FORCED CRIMINALITY:
  - Victims may be coerced into criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, theft, or begging.
- POVERTY AND INEQUALITY:
  - Socio-economic vulnerability is a key driver.
  - Those struggling with poverty, lack of education, or unemployment are more easily lured into trafficking traps.
- CORRUPTION AND WEAK LAW ENFORCEMENT:
  - In many areas, corruption within authorities allows trafficking to flourish with little fear of punishment.
- ORGANISED CRIME SYNDICATES:
  - Robust, well-resourced criminal networks often run trafficking.
- ILLEGAL ADOPTION:
  - Children may be sold to families under false identities and documents.

HOW TRAFFICKERS OPERATE:

Traffickers use a calculated mix of deception, coercion, and force to control their victims.

Their methods typically follow this pattern:

RECRUITMENT:
- False job offers, education opportunities, or romantic relationships lure victims in.
- Deception is widespread in rural and under-resourced areas.
- Children may be abducted or recruited through trusted individuals, including family members.
TRANSPORTATION:
- Victims are moved locally, across provinces, or internationally—often in secret and unsafe conditions.
EXPLOITATION:
- Forced Labour: Victims work in gruelling, often abusive environments for little or no pay.
- Sexual Exploitation: Many are forced into prostitution or sexual servitude.
- Domestic Servitude: Isolated in private homes, victims are denied freedom and subjected to abuse.
- Forced Begging and Criminal Acts: Children and adults are forced into begging or criminal activities to enrich their traffickers.
CONTROL AND COERCION:
- Physical and psychological abuse, threats, isolation, and confiscation of identity documents are common tactics.
- Victims may be trapped in debt bondage, unable to "repay" fake debts.

THE EXPERIENCE OF VICTIMS:

The trauma suffered by trafficking victims is profound and long-lasting:

PHYSICAL ABUSE:
- Beatings, starvation, sexual assault, and neglect are frequent.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DAMAGE:
- Victims experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, and deep shame.
HEALTH COMPLICATIONS:
- Lack of medical care and poor living conditions cause serious health problems.
SOCIAL ISOLATION:
- Victims are kept hidden and isolated from friends, family, and support systems.
FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION:
- Most victims never see the money they were promised, if any at all.

SIGNS TO HELP IDENTIFY POSSIBLE VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING:

BEHAVIOURAL SIGNS:
- Appears fearful, anxious, tense, submissive, or paranoid.
- Avoids eye contact and social interaction.
- Victims seem coached or unable to speak freely.
- Defers to someone else to speak or make decisions for them.
- Shows signs of psychological trauma (e.g., confusion, depression, PTSD).
PHYSICAL SIGNS:
- Unexplained injuries or signs of abuse (bruises, burns, cuts).
- Malnourishment, poor hygiene, or signs of exhaustion.
- Lack of appropriate clothing for the weather or work.
- Tattoos or branding (especially with names, barcodes, or symbols of ownership).
CONTROL AND RESTRICTIONS:
- Always accompanied by someone who seems controlling or overly protective.
- They are not allowed to speak for themselves or appear to be under constant surveillance.
- Limited freedom of movement—rarely leaves home/workplace, or is kept isolated.
- They have no access to their ID, passport, or other documents.
WORK AND LIVING CONDITIONS:
- Works excessively long hours without breaks or fair pay.
- Lives at or near the workplace in poor, overcrowded conditions.
- Victims appear to be underage but working in adult roles (e.g., in bars, farms, or domestic work).
- Owes a large "debt" to the employer or recruiter.
OTHER WARNING SIGNS:
- Sudden change in behaviour, friends, or lifestyle—especially among teens.
- They claim to be "just visiting" or are uncertain about their location.
- Involvement in commercial sex acts, especially if under 18.
- Lack of knowledge about their whereabouts or how they got there.
SPECIFIC RED FLAGS FOR CHILDREN:
- Frequently absent from school or suddenly drops out.
- They have expensive items that they cannot explain.
- Signs of running away or homelessness.
- Older partners or "boyfriends/girlfriends" who seem controlling.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT/REPORT THIS HORRENDOUS CRIME:

EDUCATE YOURSELF AND OTHERS:
- Know the signs and share the knowledge.
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY:
- If you see something concerning, speak up. In South Africa, contact the National Human Trafficking Helpline at 0800 222 777 or alert the SAPS.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS:
- Be wary of too-good-to-be-true job offers or relationships.
BE CAREFUL ONLINE:
- Do not overshare personal information; be cautious of online strangers.
SUPPORT ETHICAL BUSINESSES:
- Choose companies that uphold workers' rights and transparency.
VOLUNTEER OR DONATE:
- Help NGOs that work on the ground to rescue and rehabilitate victims.
TEACH CHILDREN SAFETY:
- Educate young people on personal boundaries and how to ask for help.
SUPPORT VICTIMS:
- If you suspect someone is a victim, be gentle, listen, and refer them to professional help.

The conviction of Joshlin Smith’s mother and the rescue of 44 Ethiopians in Sandton reveal the depth and reach of human trafficking in South Africa. These cases underscore the urgent need for stronger laws, vigilant communities, and nationwide education to prevent more lives from being stolen by this hidden crime.

A unified, informed, and compassionate response is essential to protect the vulnerable and bring traffickers to justice.

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