DEPARTMENT HOSTS TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS CAMPAIGN IN MOHLAKENG

By Madali Chibambu

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development, in collaboration with various government departments, hosted the STOP Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Awareness Campaign at Mphakathi Mall in Mohlakeng, Western Corridor.
• The campaign aimed to educate the community about human trafficking and the services offered by the department, in response to increasing trafficking cases in the area.
• Local residents, along with key stakeholders like the HAWKS and the South African Police Service (SAPS), emphasised the importance of vigilance and awareness in combating this serious issue.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development, in collaboration with various government departments, hosted the STOP Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Awareness Campaign at Mphakathi Mall in Mohlakeng, Western Corridor. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about human trafficking and to educate the community on the services offered by the department.

This initiative follows the Victim Empowerment Programme Directorate’s engagement with the local ward councillor regarding the rising number of trafficking cases in the area. The Mohlakeng community turned out in large numbers, and speakers from various stakeholder groups stressed the importance of vigilance and caution, warning attendees to be mindful of whom they trust. Programme Coordinator Mpolokeng Kambule explained that the department targeted Mohlakeng after consulting with the councillor and based on cases reported to the police. “Mohlakeng is one of the areas where the department had not previously hosted such campaigns, and we are pleased with the high turnout, which indicates that trafficking is a real issue here. We have invited key stakeholders such as the HAWKS and the South African Police Service (SAPS),” said Kambule. She added, “According to our law enforcement services, trafficking cases have already been opened. However, as a department, it is our responsibility to protect victims from perpetrators—many of whom hold powerful positions, like doctors involved in organ trafficking and businesspeople.”

Captain Lefa Lebitso of the HAWKS Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation highlighted their role in combating trafficking, which includes prevention, investigation, and combating organised crime. “The directorate has established nine Trafficking in Persons Provincial Coordinators who monitor organised crime investigations. These units not only assist and protect victims but also collaborate on education and awareness efforts,” Lebitso stated.

Ward Councillor Jannette Nyameni expressed her satisfaction with the department’s response. “I didn’t expect such a large-scale campaign, and I’m grateful the department mobilised the community, which turned out in numbers. As the Mohlakeng community, we are thankful for the valuable information shared today. Trafficking is a serious issue here, and we are glad to see the HAWKS participating in this campaign,” Nyameni said.

Thabang Mokoena, a local resident, confirmed that trafficking has been a problem in the area for some time. He appreciated the department’s efforts in bringing attention to the issue and working to protect the community.