MEDIA RELEASE
THURSDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport in the Free State province had a successful campaign to raise awareness on drugs and human trafficking in communities around Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality and Lesotho border.
The campaign was held in Qwaqwa on Friday, 30th August 2013 as part of Women’s Month celebrations.
A major roadblock was mounted next to University of the Free State Campus in Qwaqwa to raise awareness among the drivers and passengers passing the area.
During a road block 486 counterfeit CD’s and DVD’s were confiscated and 5 illegal immigrants were arrested, there were 4 cases of non-compliance with the stock theft act and 2 cows were confiscated and dockets were opened.
A total of 60 traffic offences where summons were issued by traffic officials were recorded and 225 vehicles were stopped and searched.
South Africa was regarded as a major key market destination for human trafficking around the world due to the absence of human trafficking act.
It was one of the world reloading points for human trafficking and a place where men and women are treated as mere goods by human traffickers.
Majority of victims come from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho and Botswana. Some victims come from rural areas to cities looking for employment opportunities and ended up being victim of human trafficking.
The above situation is about to change for good now with the signing of Prevention and combating of Trafficking in persons bill into law by President Jacob Zuma recently, giving South Africa, for the first time, a single statute that tackles human trafficking holistically and comprehensively.
The new law provides for a maximum penalty of R100-million or life imprisonment or both in the case of a successful conviction.
The new legislation gives effect to South Africa’s international obligations in terms of a United Nations Protocol.
-ENDS-
ISSUED BY CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF POLICE, ROADS AND TRANSPORT
