JOHANNESBURG - Human traffickers are becoming more sophisticated, with scams and digital recruitment emerging as new ways to exploit vulnerable people in South Africa.
These tactics add to established forms of exploitation, including sexual exploitation, forced labour and child labour.
South Africa remains a transit hub for human trafficking, with women and children disproportionately affected.
People in desperate circumstances are particularly vulnerable to manipulation, with traffickers using seemingly attractive job offers to lure potential victims.
“The things they promise are things that are definitely too good to be true,” says Hilary Leong, chairperson of Awareness for Child Trafficking Africa.
Traffickers may promise lucrative salaries and attractive employment packages, including covering applicants’ expenses.
However, warning signs can be overlooked when people are under pressure to accept an offer.
Scammers may take control of the registration process and applicants’ documents, leaving victims at risk of having their personal information misused or being exploited.
Also read: Suspected human trafficking intercepted at OR Tambo