Child kidnapping stats 'alarming', says NGO
Researchers have revealed alarming statistics on child trafficking, with nearly half of cases involving family or friends.
Global non-profit A21 has been commenting on the Joslin Smith case in which the six-year-old's mother was revealed as one of the four accused linked to her disappearance.
A21's manager in South Africa, Katie Modrau, says in 2023, just over 16% of trafficking cases involved family members and 14% connected to friends.
She says it's a disturbing and very concerning trend.
READ: Joslin Smith's mom, three others to remain behind bars
“We have to come down to the fact that children shouldn't have to protect themselves. We also need to look at community involvement, and the awareness raised for people to realise that the trafficking rings are operating. But there is a market for muthi."
The whereabouts of the Western Cape child remains unknown.
Her mother, Kelly, and the woman's boyfriend lined up in court on Thursday on charges of kidnapping and trafficking of a person.
