CORRUPTION AS A FACILITATOR OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE PHENOMENA, CHALLENGES AND EFFECTIVE RESPONSE

Abstract

Human trafficking and corruption are closely linked criminal activities, whose interrelation is frequently referred to in international fora. Yet, the correlation between the two phenomena, and the actual impact of corruption on human trafficking, are generally neglected in the development and implementation of anti-human trafficking policies and measures. This article attempts to explore and analysis corruption as a facilitator of human trafficking in South Africa. This research was carried out utilising a qualitative approach. Forty interviews were carried out among officials deployed in the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), the Department of Social Development (DSD), the Gauteng Provincial Office, as well as with the victims regarding their views and experiences on the law enforcement challenges and effective response to corruption and human trafficking. The interviews were analysed according to the phenomenographic approach to identify the participants’ responses. The key findings indicated that corruption is a common facilitator of human trafficking, the victims are being abducted and kidnapped from the safe houses. The government departments involved in combating human trafficking are the ones facilitating it through corruption. Recommendations are systems and procedures within at-risk sectors for corruption should be tailored to increase transparency, fairness, and accountability, Anonymous reporting mechanisms should be in place for officials to raise concerns or report offers of bribes or use of undue influence by other officials.