Sesheke, a border town between Zambia and Namibia, remains highly vulnerable to human trafficking. The local residents are often trafficked into Namibia, where they are exploited in domestic servitude as cattle herders and house helps. Many are forced to work for small amounts of money that are not paid to them monthly, but instead promised to be paid at the end of their service. When they attempt to claim their earnings, they are threatened with being reported to the authorities which leaves them fearful, helpless and at risk of improvement.
Given these realities, strengthening the capacity of both Community Animators and Law enforcement officers become essential. TAKUZA conducted the training from 23rd to 24th September, bringing together 24 Community Animators including Traditional leaders and 18 Law Enforcement Officers from Immigration and the Zambia Police Service.
Participants described the workshop as an eye-opening and timely, noting that what was discussed during the workshop reflected what they witness daily in Sesheke and Katima Mulilo. They highlighted the porous nature of the border as a factor that makes monitoring movements extremely difficult and increases people’s vulnerability to being trafficked.