CPUT ON HIGH ALERT OVER ALLEGED HUMAN TRAFFICKING AROUND CAMPUS

Fears of human trafficking at institutions of higher learning have escalated following announcement to Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) students warning them to be on high alert regarding possible sex traffickers at its District Six campus.

This follows Stellenbosch University students sounding the alarm last week about an alleged human trafficking ring that may be operating around campus.

Students warned on the matiemedia.org website that a religious group who introduce themselves as members of a worldwide church had tried to recruit “prospective worshippers”, with incoming student representative council (SRC) member Lwazi Phaks confirming to sister paper the Weekend Argus that they had heard of the group from fearful female students.

CPUT students have now been urged to be vigilant after an alleged attempted abduction of a student last weekend. Mokoena said the SRC was busy with awareness posters that were going to be shared at the District Six and Mowbray campuses where the concerns were raised and would be sharing some safety tips for students on social media.

In a communication sent on Friday, CPUT human resources management head Dr Liiza Gie said: “Good day colleagues, student leaders and tutors. Please be on high alert regarding human/sex traffickers on D6 campus.

"Please may you distribute to all our HR students to be aware and report these people. I have informed the dean, security and other HODs.”

Stellenbosch University spokesperson Martin Viljoen said there have been no complaints lodged at the university structures of abductions, nor have there been reports of sex trafficking.

“The university is aware of articles in student media and social media posts doing the rounds of suspected sex trafficking associated with a religious grouping. "The articles and social media posts could have created the impression that it was the university that had placed students on ‘high alert’ and warned students against this particular group. This is not the case.”

By: Aneeqa du Plessis