5 June 2010, 08:57
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By Tanya Waterworth and Carvin Goldstone
South Africans have been thrown into a state of panic following the mass circulation of an email warning that the World Cup, starting on Friday, is going to be a particularly bad time for child abductions and human trafficking.
Policing forums, community groups and companies have sent the email to their members and employees and requested that they take heed of the warnings.
The email, which purports to come from the British Peace Support Team in South Africa, warns that there are currently 15 abductions/ kidnappings every day in South Africa and that this will get much worse over the World Cup period.
"Human trafficking gangs know that the schools are all on holiday over the tournament. They will target shopping malls, cafes, cinemas, public toilets and toy departments in shops. The SA authorities estimate that approximately 300 000 Africans will come over the borders for the tournament," reads the warning.
"The borders will not be able to cope and checks will be cursory in most cases. Babies will be abducted for unscrupulous adoption agencies in Nigeria and the like. Children aged 4-8 will be targeted for the porn industry. Those children around 9-13 for prostitution."
The email was apparently sent by Major Mick Boyle of the British Peace Support Team in South Africa and is based on a security briefing he attended.
However, all attempts to contact the British Peace Support Team failed yesterday.
SA Police Force spokeswoman Brigadier Sally de Beer said they had taken cognisance of the warning letter.
She said the police were still trying to find out if it was genuine and therefore could not comment.
According to the Human Trafficking Conference held in Washington recently, there was a definite surge in human trafficking during the last World Cup in Germany, despite the strong security structures in place.
The conference was attended by close to 900 delegates from special units around the US as well as representatives from South Africa, Argentina and the Maldives.
Human trafficking stands in third place 0n the world's list of crimes, topped only by drugs and illegal arms trading.
Mr Price stores countrywide have been declared "safe places" during the World Cup.
The "Safe Place 2010 campaign" will have "Go To" staff who will tell children where to go and who to approach for help, as well as providing promotional and educational material.
This article was originally published on page 4 of The Star on June 05, 2010
Saturday Star
Comments by Sonny
A World wide phenomenon at present!
SA is not excluded.
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