A Mozambican man who was busted with a 17-year-old girl that he allegedly trafficked from his country into South Africa in 2022, made his first appearance at the Vredendal Magistrate’s Court.

Moses Sithole faces charges of trafficking in persons as well as contravention of the Immigration Act.

A multi-disciplinary team including the Hawks Economic Protected Resources (EPR), crime intelligence, Vanrynsdorp police and the Department of Home Affairs arrested the 38-year-old following a tip-off.

“The team received information about a foreign national who allegedly kept a 17-year-old girl at his residence against her will.

“The team proceeded to the suspect's residence in Vanrhynsdorp and upon entering the premises, they found the victim.

“Investigation revealed that she was allegedly trafficked from Mozambique to South Africa two years ago. She was taken for a medical examination and thereafter taken to a place of safety,” said Hawks spokesperson Siyabulela Vukubi.

Dr Simon Howell of UCT's Centre of Criminology said there has been a number of similar cases in the past.

“This is a worldwide issue, but the problem in South Africa is a distinct lack of regulatory cohesiveness in terms of people entering the country. There is also a problem of corruption (in relation to officials) in such cases and concerns in the use of border controls as means of entering the country illegally. This nature of crime is difficult for police to keep tabs on because it is committed by undocumented people.

“Once undocumented individuals are in the country it is very hard to keep tabs of them and as such this makes it easy for them to commit crimes because of the loopholes in the systems.

Ultimately this boils down to effective border control and effective oversight,” said Howell.

Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said trafficking in persons was often rooted in systemic inequalities, socio-economic challenges, and weak border port controls.

“It demands a coordinated, multi-faceted response from law enforcement, government, civil society, and communities.

“Ilitha Labantu acknowledges the critical role played by the collaborative efforts of various agencies in ensuring the young survivor’s safety and well-being.

“The survivor, who is now in a place of safety, requires ongoing support to heal from the trauma inflicted upon her. It is vital that her dignity and rights are prioritised as the case proceeds,” he said.

Monakali said while the arrest was a step in the right direction, they also call on the judicial system to act decisively and send a clear message that human trafficking will not be tolerated in South Africa.

ANC spokesperson on police oversight and community safety Benson Ngqentsu said: “We commend the collaborative efforts of the Hawks, EPR, intelligence, Home Affairs, and SAPS for the arrest of the 38-year-old suspect involved in human trafficking and contravening the Immigration Act.

“This breakthrough has the potential to restore public confidence in our law enforcement agencies. We urge the state to oppose bail to this suspect.”

Cape Times