Two Zimbabwean nationals were arrested for allegedly transporting 14 undocumented children from Midrand to Cape Town in December 2023. The suspects, Beaula Maruza, 41, and Tafadzwa Otis Nadakurwa, 46, were denied bail by the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The arrest was made possible by the alertness of a passenger on the bus, who noticed the suspicious behaviour of the suspects and the poor condition of the children.
The passenger contacted an off-duty police officer, who informed the multi-agency team comprising of the Kimberley Crime Prevention, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation, and Kimberley Family Violence. The team intercepted the bus at a stopover in Kimberly and arrested the suspects.
The suspects claimed that they were taking the children, aged between six and 14 years, to their parents in Cape Town. However, they could not provide any proof of their relationship or consent from the parents. The children were examined and found to be dirty, hungry, and without any luggage or belongings.
The Hawks confirmed that the provincial trafficking in persons rapid response team led by the Department of Social Development was called to assist with placing the children at a safe place and providing food.
The suspects are expected to appear in court again on 12 February 2024. They face charges of trafficking in persons, contravention of the Immigration Act, and contravention of the Children’s Act.
This case is not an isolated incident, as human trafficking is a widespread problem in the region. In the same month, the Border Management Authority (BMA) reported that 443 unaccompanied Zimbabwean children under the age of 8 years were intercepted in South Africa on suspicion of being trafficked and handed over to the Zimbabwean authorities.
However, the Zimbabwean Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare disputed the figures and said they were exaggerated.
Human trafficking is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires cooperation and coordination among various stakeholders, such as law enforcement, social services, civil society, and the public.
It is important to raise awareness and educate the public about the signs and risks of human trafficking, and to report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Together, we can fight this scourge and protect the rights and welfare of the vulnerable, especially children.
Source Hararelive
