26 Aug 2015

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi has warned that human trafficking is real.

Speaking during a meeting she held with village leaders and public servants from Moiyabana, Sehunou, Mabuo, Motshegaletau, Thabala and Mogorosi, Dr Venson-Moitoi said she felt obligated to warn Batswana about human rights abuse as a minister whose portfolio encompasses foreign affairs.

Dr Venson-Moitoi informed the gathering that there were agents whose sole purpose was to traffic humans to foreign countries in exchange for cash. The minister noted that such agents would identify their prey, especially from poor families, and entice them with cash in exchange of their children and or babies.

She said in luring mothers and expecting mothers to give away their babies and children, the agents would promise a better future for those being trafficked. Such good living conditions would include proper health care and better education.

“Unfortunately, some unsubstantiated reports from other countries claim that some trafficked mothers upon giving birth would not survive,’’ she said.

Dr Venson-Moitoi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Serowe South, requested parents to keep an eye on foreigners who befriend and acquaint themselves with their children, saying they could be agents making inroads to recruit them.

She disclosed that the traffickers or trafficking agents would help the victims with paperwork to facilitate a quick take off to earmarked destinations.

Meanwhile, Dr Venson-Moitoi donated an average of 20 blankets per village, three branded trophies and two soccer balls per village. She said the blankets, though winter was slowly fading, would help the underprivileged members of the community who did get some in the last donation. Ends