03 Aug 2025

The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services has launched an anti-human trafficking information corner at the Middlepits Border Post, aimed at bolstering efforts against human trafficking in the region.

The launch, officiated by the ministry’s Director of Refugee Affairs and Anti-Human Trafficking Ms Thobo Letlhage on Thursday, marks a significant step in the ongoing fight against the pervasive crime.

Ms Letlhage highlighted the critical role of information corners in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and disrupting trafficking networks.

“The ministry found it fit to do the corner at Middlepits border because the villages around the border are mostly affected by human trafficking incidents,” Ms Letlhage stated, underscoring the localised impact of the initiative.

Middlepits, being a border area, is particularly susceptible to human trafficking activities, making it a crucial location for such a preventative measure.

She explained that the anti-human trafficking information corner was designed to be a vital communication hub, with a multifaceted approach to combating human trafficking.

It would provide accurate information to potential victims about legal migration pathways, the risks associated with irregular migration, and common tactics used by traffickers, thereby empowering individuals to recognise red flags and make informed decisions, she said.

She further stated that the facility aimed to educate the general public, including travellers and border communities, on the signs of human trafficking to encourage vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities.

The corner would also serve to identify and protect potential victims by displaying clear contact details for anti-trafficking hotlines, local support organisations, and law enforcement agencies, allowing individuals to easily access help, she said.

By its very presence, the information corner sends a strong message to traffickers that these locations are actively monitoring and combating their activities, potentially deterring them from using these routes.

This initiative is expected to facilitate early intervention, protect potential victims by providing immediate access to support, and foster a sense of shared responsibility among authorities and the public in combating human trafficking said the director.

The establishment of this information corner at Middlepits, she said, was a testament to the ministry’s commitment to protecting citizens and strengthening its response to human trafficking at critical junctures.  For her part, Middlepits Immigration Officer in Charge, Ms Keatlaretse Marumo, applauded the ministry’s initiative, stating that the facility came at a time when it was most needed.

She noted that smaller borders like Middlepits were often affected because traffickers and other criminals preferred to use them for unauthorised crossings, fearing the stricter controls at main borders.

Ms Marumo also urged customers to abide by the rules, emphasising that compliance with regulations could significantly aid in the fight against trafficking.

She stressed the importance of always providing the documents required by border officials, such as children’s birth certificates and affidavits.

She further expressed concern over the bushy border lines, which make it difficult for her staff to patrol effectively and allow border jumpers to escape easily.

Ms Marumo appealed to the ministry for assistance in addressing this challenge, recognising it as a critical factor in enhancing border security and combating illicit activities. ENDS