Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is pleased with the result of the joint operation that led to the swift rescue of Princess Mahlangu who fell victim, alongside women from various other countries, to a human trafficking operation.
This incident adds to the widespread pandemic of exploitation of women in South Africa. Her story is one of many South African women who become victims of crime while in search of better life.
This case is also a harsh lesson about the impact of social media on our society. Although social media can have a positive effect on people’s interconnectedness and their access to information, more should be done to educate our people – especially young South Africans – about the dangerous and criminal elements who use social media to abuse vulnerable people.
We commend Police Minister Fikile Mbalula for asking for the intervention of Interpol and the Hawks, which led to the exposure of this criminal enterprise.
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