Human trafficking is a serious crime in South Africa, and the adult industry is one of the places it hides. If you suspect that someone is being forced, controlled or is under 18, call the national human trafficking hotline on 0800 222 777. If someone is in immediate danger, call the police on 10111.
What human trafficking is
Trafficking means recruiting, moving, holding or selling a person through force, threats or deception in order to exploit them. It is a crime under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, which came into effect in 2015.
Three points are often misunderstood:
- It does not require crossing a border. Many victims are trafficked within their own country or city.
- It does not require chains or locked doors. Debt, threats against family, confiscated documents and fear are the usual means of control.
- A person under 18 cannot consent. Any commercial sexual activity involving a minor is exploitation, whatever the minor says.
An adult who has freely chosen this work, keeps their own money and documents, and can stop whenever they wish is not a trafficking victim. The difference is choice and control.
Warning signs to look for
No single sign proves trafficking. Several together are a reason to report.
- Someone else is in control. A third party answers the phone, sets the terms, collects the money or waits nearby.
- No documents or phone of their own. The person does not hold their own ID, passport, bank card or phone.
- Fear or scripted answers. The person seems frightened, avoids eye contact, or repeats rehearsed lines.
- Signs of harm. Visible injuries, exhaustion, hunger or signs of being drugged.
- Appears under 18. Looks younger than the profile claims, or cannot say their age convincingly.
- Does not know where they are. Cannot name the area, or says they were moved recently and often.
- Talks about a debt. Mentions owing money for travel, accommodation or "fees" that never seems to be paid off.
- Cannot leave or say no. Is not free to end the meeting, refuse a request or go home.
What to do if you suspect trafficking
- Do not confront anyone. Challenging a controller can put the victim, and you, in danger.
- Do not attempt a rescue. Leave that to people trained for it.
- Leave calmly. End the meeting without explaining your suspicion.
- Note what you can. The address, the advert, phone numbers, names used, vehicle details and the time.
- Report it. Call the hotline or the police using the contacts below. You can ask to stay anonymous.
Many people hesitate to report because of how they came across the situation. The hotline exists to help the victim. Tell them what you saw.
Where to report human trafficking in South Africa
Who | Contact | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
0800 222 777 (toll-free) | Reporting a suspicion, or asking for help for yourself or someone else | |
SAPS | 10111, or your nearest police station | Immediate danger, or opening a case |
Job offers that are really traps
Traffickers recruit with offers of well-paid work in modelling, hospitality or escorting. Be careful if a recruiter does any of the following:
- Asks for money upfront. A "registration", "portfolio" or "placement" fee.
- Pays for your travel and calls it a loan. The debt is then used to control you.
- Wants to hold your ID or passport. Nobody has the right to keep your documents.
- Is vague about the work. Will not say where you will work, for whom, or what is expected.
- Pushes you to decide quickly or to keep the offer secret from family and friends.
- Offers work in another city or country with accommodation they control.
Before accepting any offer, tell someone you trust where you are going, keep your own documents and phone, and make sure you can pay your own way home.
If you are being controlled or forced
You are not in trouble for asking for help. Call 0800 222 777 when it is safe to do so. The call is free. If you are in immediate danger, call 10111.
Our commitments
- Everyone we work with is 18 or older, and we check identity documents to confirm it.
- Everyone keeps their own identity documents, phone and earnings.
- Everyone is free to decline any booking or request, and to stop working with us at any time.
- We never charge a fee to apply, and we never lend money that must be worked off.
- We report suspected trafficking to the national hotline.
Frequently asked questions
Can I report anonymously?
Ask the hotline when you call. You do not need to be certain before you report. Describe what you saw and let them assess it.
What if I am wrong?
A report made in good faith is not an accusation. Trained staff decide what happens next. It is better to report a concern that turns out to be nothing than to stay silent about a real case.
Is trafficking the same as sex work?
No. Trafficking involves force, deception or a minor. An adult working by their own choice, in control of their own money and movements, is not a trafficking victim.
Does trafficking only affect foreigners?
No. South Africans are trafficked within South Africa, often from rural areas to cities, as well as across borders.