Disturbing rise in human trafficking hits South Africa

A DISTURBING surge in human trafficking incidents across South Africa has raised fresh concerns about the fate of thousands of missing individuals in the country. Activists are increasingly asking: Are South Africa’s missing people being trafficked to other countries?

- SIFISO MAHLANGU [e-mail]

On Thursday, police uncovered scenes that point to a growing network of international trafficking syndicates operating within South Africa's borders. A group of over 30 foreign nationals was discovered in a locked house in Johannesburg’s eastern suburbs, held against their will for months.

The individuals, mostly young Ethiopian men and teenagers, reportedly arrived in South Africa believing they were headed for work opportunities — a common lure used by traffickers. Investigators now believe the house was a transit point for trafficking victims en route to other countries. While this case has drawn widespread attention, it is far from isolated.