DA alarmed over reports off high number of sex slaves

The DA notes with the concern the statistics revealing that South Africa could have as many as 100 000 young girls working in underground sex dens as sex slaves.

I will submit parliamentary questions to the Minister of Social Development in the Western Cape, Albert Fritz, to determine whether the Department has a programme which focuses on identifying and eradicating this practice and if there is any record of the number of sex slaves in the Western Cape. I will also ask whether the Department has a rehabilitation programme for the victims

The report suggests that South Africa is a major player in human trafficking as many are trafficked to South Africa from all over the world. Children as young as 9 years old are prostituted as a result of this illicit trade. It has emerged that most of the trafficked sex slaves are mainly from poor regions in Southern Africa. The victims are lured into the country with the promise of a better life and employment. In many instances young girls are promised false modelling jobs, after which they are kidnapped and forced into a world of drugs and enslavement.

We urge communities to be vigilant and keep a watchful eye over our children, particularly the girl child. It is extremely disturbing to learn that so many young women are being treated in this manner. Many of the victims don’t know that they are to be victimised by this criminality until it is too late.

The DA is committed to creating safe communities where all have access to opportunities and the freedom to pursue their dreams is guarded.