Speaking during a high-level colloquium on migration and border security earlier this week, Masiapato highlighted the complexities of addressing this global issue, which remains deeply intertwined with illegal migration and cross-border organised crime.

The colloquium, held in Pretoria, marked the second anniversary of the BMA's establishment on April 1 2023. Since its inception, the authority has been grappling with a myriad of border security issues, including human trafficking. Masiapato stressed that within this illicit trade, child trafficking emerges as a particularly troubling component, further complicating efforts to combat the scourge.

"Human trafficking becomes very much complicated because amid human trafficking, we also have child trafficking in this value chain, and that is what complicates the entire trajectory," Masiapato explained.

"People are picked up in Johannesburg, held in houses against their will. These individuals are victims, and this scourge is alive and well."

--ChannelAfrica--