TRAFFICKED VICTIM IDENTIFIED in a MALL!
God had us in the right place at the right time for being able to reach out to a victim of trafficking! Our team spoke to a man from an Asian country. As we started to explain about our purpose for being there, he opened up to us about how he had been trafficked for labour purposes in South Africa. His traffickers had deceived him about “wonderful work opportunities in South Africa” and that he was being taken into the country legally. However, when he arrived here, his papers were taken from him and he was told that he was an illegal immigrant. He must work to pay off his debt to his traffickers! His traffickers apparently bribed immigration officers, who wanted to deport him (which would have been so much better for him). However, the bribe guaranteed him remaining in South Africa, against his will! He is being paid only R3,000 a month to work, but he must pay R2,000 each month to his traffickers for his apparent “debt.” He said his cousins were also trafficked with him. His traffickers have threatened to report him to the police under false charges (e.g. theft), should he try to escape.
Rescue Mission
We told him about the National Human Trafficking HOTLINE (0800-222-777) that he can phone to start the rescue process. He seemed very hesitant to call the number as he said his trafficker would check his phone. Our team member let him call the number from her phone and will also follow up with our contacts who man this National Counter-Trafficking Hotline to hear how the rescue mission is progressing. The process of unravelling his situation and helping him to eventually get back home will be complicated but the ministries that work together to rescue trafficked victims have the right contacts in the Hawks (specialised crime investigation unit), are partnered with Safe Houses and have successfully seen many local and foreign victims rescued so far. “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
Pray for Justice
Please pray for this man, that he will be rescued, repatriated safely and that he will go back home with the Lord Jesus in his heart. Pray that his traffickers will be brought to swift justice. “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos 5:24
Learn How to Identify Victims of Trafficking
We all need to be alert to suspicious situations. The stereotype of a victim of trafficking is that they will “look abused,” or that they will be kept under lock and key. However, traffickers commonly use many other methods of control, such as blackmail and debt bondage. Victims may even look happy, well-dressed and have some freedom of movement.
If you see someone working in a shop from a country such as Thailand, Pakistan, or Moldova (to name a few trafficking hotspots, although victims can be from anywhere, even your own city) try and engage them in friendly conversation about how they came to South Africa (if it is safe to do so, for you and them). One could slip them a piece of paper with the Hotline number on it, or help them quickly memorise it.
A hashtag slogan to share on social media is: #If you see something, say something! Please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline if you are a victim of trafficking, or have information about a potential trafficking situation: 0800-222-777 and teach others this number. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Proverbs 31:8
To read more about How to Identify and Assist a Victim of Trafficking, see the following article on www.christianaction.org.za.
Prevention vs. Cure
Fake online job offers have become even more rampant. Do not become a victim. If you, or a friend, or family member, has been offered a job via an online platform, please use Prevention versus Cure (PvsC) to investigate the offer and travel plans (if available), before you commit yourself to it. PvsC does this as a free service to the public. They are an online job vetting service to the community and look into suspicious job offers, investigate them in detail and then send a report to you, so that you can make an informed decision.
Taryn Hodgson
Africa Christian Action
PO Box 23632
Claremont 7735
Cape Town South Africa
Tel: 021-689 4480
info@christianaction.org.za
www.christianaction.org.za
www.livingstonefellowship.co.za
You can listen to various Salt and Light radio programmes on Radio Tygerberg, related to this topic:
Women’s Liberation, click here.
Human Trafficking Today – Women at Risk, click here.
To listen to Christian Perspective on the News radio programme on this topic, click here.
To listen to Bush Radio programme on this topic, click here.
See also:
Stop the Traffick!
Women’s Day Awareness Campaigns Against Human Trafficking
Slavery Today – Setting the Captives Free
William Wilberforce – Setting the Captives Free
How the Media is Sexualising Your Children
Protect Your Family From Porn
The Christian Liberation of Women tract
Exposing and Opposing Slavery Today video
Stop Human Trafficking video
Trade of Innocents DVD (obtain through CLB www.ChristianLibertyBooks.co.za)
Nefarious: Merchant of Souls on YouTube (obtain through CLB)
