Western Cape Social Development warns of child trafficking soccer scam

Child trafficking: soccer scam leaves five boys stranded

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) would like to warn parents to be extra vigilant, and to be aware of child traffickers using deceptive means to potentially abduct and traffic children.

This comes after DSD took in five young boys from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), who had been recruited and deceived into travelling to Cape Town under the impression of having secured places at a top soccer club’s training academy.

Four of the boys are under 18 years of age, and the fifth is 19 years old. As per the Children’s Act of 2005, the Department has placed the minors in a Child & Youth Care Centre (CYCC), and the 19 year old is being assisted with shelter and care by the Departments Human trafficking Unit.

Our priority as DSD is to get the boys back home safely, and we are currently working on transporting the boys back home in conjunction with the parents and our DSD colleagues in KZN. This situation will thankfully have a positive outcome as the boys evaded being exploited by the scammers who lured them from their homes.

Statistics for human trafficking are difficult to come by, especially for children. However the latest United States Trafficking in Persons annual report cited that in 2015 there were 41 cases in South Africa.

The department has viewed this incident in a serious light, and our social workers will continue to investigate the circumstances around this case.

Ensuring the safety and care of children requires a whole-of-society approach. Residents can report any neglected, abandoned or missing children to the police or to the DSD Hotline on 0800 220 250. Alternatively, the public can seek assistance from our social workers at any of our local offices closest to them.

Media Enquiries:
Minister Albert Fritz
Cell: 083 307 0192

Sihle Ngobese
Spokesperson for Albert Fritz, Minister of Social Development
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 076 083 6543
Email: Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za

Province

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