Traffic officers trained to combat human trafficking

MORE than 300 Western Cape traffic officers have been trained to detect and intervene in human trafficking cases as the province steps up efforts to protect vulnerable residents.

- MURRAY SWART

A21 South Africa, an NPO specialising in counter-trafficking work, partnered with the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Western Cape Mobility Department to deliver the programme. Since November, 334 law enforcement officers have been trained across modules covering the definition of trafficking, relevant legislation, reporting procedures and trauma-informed approaches when working with potential victims.

Traffic officers are often the first state officials to encounter potential victims, as many trafficking operations move along major road routes.

Western Cape Social Development MEC Jaco Londt said: “The Western Cape government is always looking at ways to improve safety measures for residents.