The IFP requests Police Minster Bheki Cele to come clean on his denial of the existence of human trafficking in our country.
This comes as the Police Minister, despite evidence to the contrary, had claimed that human trafficking is not a serious problem. The Minister, on national television, called activism around the issue a publicity stunt, and stated that the problem is not as serious as it is portrayed online.
This gross denial flies in the face of all efforts in trying to rid our country of this problem. While we support the Police Minister’s views on the spreading of ‘fake-news’, we cannot openly deny the facts that are before us.
Experts say a lack of centralised and clear data makes it difficult to estimate how many children are trafficked each year; the limited data that does exist shows relatively few instances of child trafficking in South Africa.
However, a centralised and more effective and efficient system of intelligence would assist the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to prevent this issue from spiralling out of control.
The IFP views Minister Cele’s utterances on this matter is irresponsible and not in line with the responsibilities of the SAPS, to ensure that all citizens are safe and free from harm.
Contact:
Zandile Majozi, MP
IFP Spokesperson on Police
073 052 9556