01 Aug 2024

Mamuno border post has launched the human trafficking information corner. 

Speaking during the launch on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Ms Naledi Moroka said  it had come to their attention that border posts were the hot spots for trafficking routes. 

The launch  is part of the commemorations of World Day against Trafficking in Persons. She noted that the day was commemorated annually in villages situated along the border posts, to raise awareness and bring to end human trafficking.

Ms Moroka explained that the information centre, being the first of its kind to be set at Mamuno border, would be replicated in all border posts across the country. 

She implored all the employees to be vigilant to human trafficking related acts through the integrity of consent letters provided by parents when travelling with under age children. 

She urged law enforcement officers also to be vigilant with the issuance of affidavits to consider whether they were solicited in good faith or through coercion. 

Earlier on in her welcome remarks, Officer-In-Charge at the Mamuno border, Ms Angela Sigwele applauded the ministry for the efforts to curb human trafficking besieging the country. 

She indicated that ever since the commencement of the 24-hour operations and the use of Omang at the border, they have witnessed massive increase in the numbers of ‘fatherless children’ which she suspected could be prompted by human trafficking tendencies. 

“I’m confident that with this kind of information at our disposal, it will serve as a weapon of protection to our travellers,” she said. 

In her closing remarks, Mamuno border acting Customs Manager - Botswana unified Revenue Services, Ms Thapelo Kgang, applauded government for recognising their point of entry with many credits, which she said would inspire them to be a border of excellence. 

She confirmed that they would disseminate information accordingly to increase public awareness.  

She said the information corner would assist in reducing the number of new emerging cases of human trafficking in the country. Ends