Human trafficking fears mount after post goes viral

Kimberley residents were left fearful after a post on social media warned of a criminal syndicate that was abducting women and children. Picture: Facebook

Kimberley residents were left fearful after a post on social media warned of a criminal syndicate that was abducting women and children. Picture: Facebook

Published May 22, 2017

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Kimberley - A number of Kimberley residents were left fearful of falling victim to human trafficking on Friday after a post on social media warned of a criminal syndicate, operating in the city, that was abducting women and children.

While police said that there was little to no evidence to support the claim, an image of a silver VW Polo with Gauteng registration plates, said to be used in the commission of these crimes, quickly went viral, leaving some residents in a state of fear.

Various descriptions accompanied the image, including claims that the vehicle was one of many used by the syndicate, which was also said to be operating in Pietermaritzburg, Bloemfontein and other parts of the country.

Other cars that were also mentoined included a red Mazda 323 Sting, a red Ford Kuga, driven by a suspect who is known to carry a firearm, a white Toyota Corolla with a North West registration, a Toyota Yaris and a Quantum.

One version of the post, which was quickly shared hundreds of times on Facebook, stated that the kidnappings had also been reported on a local radio station.

“Morning ladies,” read the post, which was made on Friday morning. “The kidnapping just happened this morning in Kimberley while a lady was taking her child to crèche. Just heard on Revival FM. It’s a silver Polo number plate (withheld). There is also a women involved. Plz be safe. Dnt wanna lose yall.”

Police spokesperson, Captain Olebogeng Tawana, said that police were monitoring the situation despite the fact that no cases had been opened in connection with the postings.

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