NGO says human trafficking is rife in SA
There are allegations that missing Joshlin Smith may have been a victim of human trafficking.
Missing 6-year-old Joshlin Smith. Picture: Western Cape Missing Persons Unit/Supplied.
CAPE TOWN - A21 an NGO which manages South Africa's human trafficking hotline says human trafficking has become rife in South Africa and is increasing in the Western Cape.
The organisation spoke to Eyewitness News as the search for missing six-year-old Joshlin Smith continues for a sixteenth day in Saldanha Bay on Wednesday.
Joshlin went missing on 19 February while in the care of her mother's boyfriend at their home in Middelpos.
Allegations that Joshlin may have been a victim of human trafficking are being investigated.
READ MORE:
Detectives questioning four people linked to the disappearance of Joshlin Smith, police confirm
Western Cape MEC says groups are politicising Joshlin Smith's disappearance
Saldanha Bay Municipality remains committed to finding Joshlin Smith
A21 Country Manager Katie Modrau said South Africa and the Western Cape have all the elements needed for human trafficking to thrive.
"In order to supply human beings you need vulnerability. People who are vulnerable fall prey to trafficking schemes and we do have that within South Africa. We have a high vulnerability indicator."
Modrau says there has also been a year-on-year increase in human trafficking cases in the Western Cape.