In the last year, 11 trafficking survivors were supported through local shelters; however, this figure reflects only a fraction of the true scale of the crime, local authorities said.
This is according to Social Development MEC, Jaco Londt, who spoke at the recent “Global Crisis, Local Action: A Community United Against Trafficking” hosted by the West Coast District Municipality (WCDM) in Mooresburg.
The event brought together government officials, justice representatives, community leaders, and advocacy organisations to confront the issue of human trafficking.
The Joshlin Smith case, which captured national attention and laid bare the devastating realities of human trafficking within local communities, also took centre stage as advocate Zelda Swanepoel, deputy director of Public Prosecutions, shared her insights and experiences. Earlier this year, Racquel Smith, Joshlin's mother, her boyfriend Jacquen…