CGE concern at the increase of sexual offences and human trafficking of young girls
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has noted with great concern the increasing incidents of sexual offences and human trafficking of young girls in the country. Whilst, we condemn the acts of violence and other related crimes against foreign nationals, the Rosettenville Incident and that of Pretoria West also laid bare the atrocities that girl children suffer at the hands of unscrupulous people. Both electronic and print media had assisted in uncovering that many just assumed it was happening in their doorsteps by bringing the hard truth about sexual offences and trafficking of young girls to the various cities in South Africa.
The recent clampdown of a brothel in Klerksdorp and the rescuing of the girls in Newcastle (KwaZulu-Natal) who had been trafficked from Lesotho and Swaziland is another testimony that human trafficking and sexual offences are rife in the country. The Sexual Offences Act and Other Related Matters as Amended is against Sexual exploitation and sexual grooming of children.
The Commission believes that the silence around the sexual offences and trafficking of young girls is worrisome as people focus on the attacks of foreign nationals but forget about the girls and adult women being trafficked. The CGE is aware that most of these girls are lured into prostitution under the false pretences of job opportunities, bursaries, business. The CGE caution parents and guardians to be wary when their children bring assets and finances they as parents have provided. This will also assist in ensuring that less girls are trafficked for sexual exploitation, sexual grooming and other related crime.
The CGE calls upon citizens and members of the community who are aware such crimes in terms of the Criminal Act (Sexual Offences Act and Related Matters) Amended Act and Prevention and Combating of trafficking in Persons Act to report to the police. Failure to do so will also make them guilty of the same offence hence liable for a fine or imprisonment determined by the court on these heinous crimes.
South Africa is a signatory to many international and regional protocols like the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child that seek to safeguard the rights and well-being of a girl children and therefore turning a blind eye on the violation of their rights is a criminal offence.
The CGE urges the Criminal Judicial System and the State to act decisively, without fear and favour against any person(s) who commit sexual atrocities and trafficking of girl children. We have confidence that all people will join hands in reporting these crimes and protect other people who find themselves in vulnerable situations.
We urge members of the public who have knowledge of and information on acts of violence, rape, sexual offence, trafficking and abuse to call our Toll Free Number 0800 007 709 to report such cases.
Enquiries:
Javu Baloyi
Cell: 083 579 3306
