Government welcomes human trafficking sentencing

19 September 2019

Government welcomes Gauteng High Court’s landmark ruling handed down to Ediozi Odi, who received 6 life sentences and an additional 129 years imprisonment  for human trafficking and related charges after he kept three young girls hostage to work as sex slaves. This ruling shows that those found guilty of human trafficking and related crimes will be met with the harshest sentences possible.

Acting GCIS Director-General, Phumla Williams, said: “Government remains committed to ensuring that all South Africans are and feel safe. Our country is at a place in time where the crimes against women and children are reaching alarming levels and government will not allow this atrocious behaviour to continue in South Africa. This scourge of abuse, violence, femicide, and human trafficking cannot go unchallenged and requires every citizen and organisation to play their role to create a safer place for all.”

Human trafficking, defined as a modern-day form of slavery, is a global problem and to this end the country’s blueprint, the National Development Plan makes provision for building safer communities. Through the various pieces of legislations and policies, such as the Human Trafficking Act, government is committed to ensuring the safety of children. South Africa is also party to various international and regional instruments dealing with human trafficking.  

Government’s emergency plan, announced by President Ramaphosa will go a long way in addressing the national crisis of gender-based violence and femicide.

The plan strengthens existing measures and introduces new interventions in 5 principal areas, which include: how to prevent gender-based violence; strengthening the criminal justice system, taking steps to enhance the legal and policy framework, ensuring adequate care, support and healing for victims of violence; and, improving the economic power of women in our country.

“Communities are advised to be vigilant about their surroundings and report any strange behaviour by people in their neighbourhood. We are appealing to citizens to refrain from causing harm to children. We can and must do more to protect the lives of children,” said Williams.
Members of the public can call the Crime stop on 08600 10111 anonymously to report criminal activities. 

Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139