(Last Updated on December 8, 2015 by Editor)
ZIMBABWE – Police in South Africa have arrested two taxi drivers in Limpopo province for allegedly attempting to smuggle 24 minors and 10 adults from Zimbabwe into the neighbouring country.
The incident occurred last Thursday.
The two taxis were intercepted after information was received that children between the ages of five and 16, including 10 adults, would be transported illegally to Gauteng from Zimbabwe.
Hawks spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said the two suspects aged 27 and 52 were arrested on the N1 Highway after they had driven past Makhado and were being held in police custody pending investigations.
“The 24 minors are currently being accommodated at place of safety in Polokwane, while the 10 adults are being processed to determine their status in the country.”
The two suspects are expected to appear before Sekgosese Magistrate Court facing human trafficking charges.
Human trafficking has been rife in Southern Africa and various initiatives have been introduced by Sadc member states, including drafting legislation to curb the vice.
According to a United Nations Protocol (2000) also known as the Palermo Protocol, human trafficking refers to the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by means of threats or use of force for purposes of exploitation.