The Cross Border Crime Prevention Forum (CBCPF) Coordinator, Mr. Litaba Mohapi has urged Basotho to be aware of human traffickers who will promise them jobs in South Africa (SA) this festive season.
Mr. Mohapi said the forum is aware that perpetrators will take advantage during the Christmas holidays and promise people jobs in SA.
He said human trafficking continues to increase between Lesotho and South Africa due to poverty and a high rate of unemployment.
He said the forum is bothered by the high rate of deports of Basotho nationals, saying the majority of them are disposed of during awkward hours at ports of entry which are far from their respective districts, and this poses a challenge to District Administrators as they have to ensure that they are distributed to their districts.
Mr. Mohapi also urged Basotho who will be coming home from SA for the Christmas holidays to avoid crossing porous borders as they put their lives at risk, adding that those who overstayed in SA should be aware of people who will promise to assist them at the border posts in exchange of money.
In conclusion, he appealed to all CBCPF stakeholders to go to border posts during peak days when Basotho will be coming for the Christmas holidays to monitor the situation and assist Basotho when need arises.
The Cross Border Crime Prevention Forums were established in the 90s, with a view to combat criminal activities perpetrated along the borders.
They have been constituted with among others, Lesotho and South African governments’ departments and non-governmental organizations, Home Affairs, Police, Immigration, Labour and farmers unions
