Human Trafficking South Africa
latest news & developments
Organised Crime Index 2025: South Africa a continental hotspot for criminal networks
Human trafficking, cybercrime, drug routes and wildlife poaching are surging as South Africa becomes a regional crime hub
State seeks life sentence for accused in Joslin Smith kidnapping
A human expert trafficking testified in aggravation of sentence on Tuesday, saying the sale of the child was premeditated and there was plenty of time to stop it
Joslin Smith: Defence accuses cop of trying to exploit accused’s weaknesses to gain confession
Sergeant Dawid Fortuin took advantage of Steveno van Rhyn’s ‘youth and vulnerability’, according to attorney Nobahle Mkabayi
Where have your children gone, South Africa?
Of the more than 16 000 children who have been reported missing over 18 years, about 4 000 have never been found
Star witness in Joslin Smith case says silence was driven by fear, drugs and hush money
Lourentia Lombaard admitted she repeatedly withheld information from police about the alleged sale of the child, blaming fear, anger, drug use and a promised R1 000 payment
Joslin Smith: Accused claim police torture, admit to heavy drug use
Two of the accused have alleged being assaulted and tortured and also detailed smoking tik on the day of Joslin’s disappearance
Attorney for mother of Joslin Smith challenges police credibility during trial
A second police witness on Tuesday told the court that Kelly Smith’s partner was uncooperative when questioned