The Conundrum of Human Trafficking in Africa

Abstract

This chapter explores the nature, extent and mystification of human trafficking in Africa. While human trafficking is an age-long, border-less crime of global proportion, its current form and dimensions have enormous negativity on the human race (generally), and pose enormous threats to peace and security on the African continent (specifically). Such consternation has engendered various stakeholders to introduce policy measures to curb the spread; however, rather than diminishing, it is ever increasing. From a positional standpoint, using document analysis, this chapter provides a synopsis of human trafficking in Africa, in recent times, and offers suggestions on pragmatic steps that could help address both the demand and supply end of this illicit criminal enterprise in twenty-first (21st) century Africa.

Trends, Precipitating Factors and Control of Human Trafficking in South Africa and Zimbabwe

“…Notwithstanding the predominance of inter-state human trafficking, intra-state human trafficking is also common. Victims are trafficked from rural areas to cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Bloemfontein, with women exploited as domestic servants, whilst men serve as street vendors, street beggars, farm laborers and for other criminal activities (Bello & Olutola, 2020; US Department of State, 2020).…”

“…Trafficking for sexual exploitation is also a growing trend in South Africa. Perpetrators recruit their victims from other poor SADC countries and poor rural areas within South Africa to main urban areas, where the victims are forced into sex trafficking (Bello & Olutola, 2020;Sambo & Spies, 2020; US Department of State, 2020). The United States' 2020 Trafficking in Persons Report notes that organized crime syndicates that are dominated by Nigerian nationals predominantly facilitate commercial sex industry trafficking (US Department of State, 2020).…”

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“…However, research has been conducted and policy documents have been authored on human trafficking in South Africa and this paper builds on these researches and policy documents. Overall, South Africa is predominantly a destination country for trafficking in persons, with most of the victims being trafficked from the Southern African region, as well as other African nations (Bello & Olutola, 2020;Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, 2016). Other victims are also trafficked from countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Eastern Europe, Pakistan and Thailand for exploitation in South Africa (SADC Secretariat, 2016).…”

“…Porous borders between South Africa and its neighbors such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Lesotho, coupled with high corruption levels at border posts, provide entry points for human trafficking victims to enter or leave South Africa (SADC Secretariat, 2016). The demand for organs and body parts, which are not ordinarily available on the official market, is another pull factor (Bello & Olutola, 2020). HIV and/ AIDS has also been identified as a push factor which increases the vulnerability, especially in child-headed households (SADC Secretariat, 2016).…”

“…Although human trafficking is global phenomenon that knows no borders, its far-reaching implications are however felt within individual countries. Whilst trafficking in persons is a common phenomenon almost in all continents around the globe, it is endemic in Africa (Bello & Olutola, 2020;Bird & Reitano, 2019). Just like in other continents and other African regions, human trafficking is also a serious human security concern within the Southern African region (Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat, 2016).…”