'Human trafficking in a silent crisis' in Western Cape

Western Cape Social Development MEC Jaco Londt has warned that the province may be facing a silent crisis of human trafficking, especially in rural areas.

Speaking at the West Coast District Municipality Human Trafficking Conference held in Moorreesburg last week alongside Joshlin Smith case prosecutor Advocate Zelda Swanepoel, Londt led the talks.

Swanepoel’s work saw Joshlin’s mother Kelly Smith, her berk Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn sentenced to life inne mang for selling the then-six-year-old in February 2024 in Saldanha Bay.

Londt revealed that during the 2024/25 financial year, 11 survivors of human trafficking received support through shelters funded by the Western Cape Department of Social Development. But he stressed that official figures did not reflect the true scale of the problem.

He said: “These are just the reported cases – the tip of the iceberg. 

“Trafficking thrives where people are unaware of the risks and warning signs. Awareness is our first line of defence.”

He said social workers in the province were participating in joint operations with police and prosecutors to protect victims and dismantle trafficking networks.

“This reality compels us to act with greater urgency. Events like [these] are vital to combat this crime and protect more victims. I extend my appreciation to the West Coast District Municipality for creating this platform and bringing together key stakeholders to address trafficking.”

The municipality said the initiative forms part of its Community and Rural Safety Plan and will prioritise outreach in rural towns, where traffickers often exploit poverty, unemployment and lack of information.