In the fight against human trafficking, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s justice in action. But rarely do we get to see the impact of training unfold so quickly and so clearly. That’s exactly what happened in Chililabombwe, where a Magistrate, straight from TAKUZA’s Capacity Building Training on Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants, found themselves presiding over a human trafficking case. THE RESULT?
A conviction that sent a strong message: Traffickers Will Be Held Accountable.
From October 29 to November 1, 2024, TAKUZA, in close collaboration with the Anti-Human Trafficking Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, hosted a training for frontline officers in Chililabombwe and Kasumbalesa. The training brought together representatives from the Judiciary, Ministry of Education, Zambia Police, Drug Enforcement Commission, Department of Immigration, Social Welfare, Zambia Correctional Services, media personnel and faith-based congregations. Over the course of four days, participants sharpened their skills in identifying, investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases, while strengthening inter-agency collaboration.
This was one of many such trainings TAKUZA has facilitated across the country. The discussions went beyond theory, diving into real challenges—how to spot victims, how traffickers manipulate the system and the urgent need for reforms, like making human trafficking a non-bailable offense and ensuring child-friendly courtrooms. Interestingly, it was the very same Magistrate who actively contributed to these discussions, that would later preside over an actual trafficking case—putting the very lessons from the training into action in a way that would lead to justice.
Just months after the training, that knowledge was put to the test. A woman, Agness (not her real name) stood before the court, facing five counts of child trafficking under Zambia’s Anti-Human Trafficking Act No. 11 of 2008 (as amended by Act No. 16 of 2022). The case unfolded on April 16, 2024, when law enforcement officers intercepted a truck at a checkpoint in Chililabombwe. Onboard were eight Congolese nationals, including five children—three girls and two boys—traveling under suspicious circumstances.
Agness, confident and composed, claimed she was merely helping the children reunite with their mother in Lusaka. She anxiously gave off their names —fake ones— and insisted she was their guardian. But as the case unravelled in court, the inconsistencies in her story became evident, exposing a much darker reality —this was no family reunion. The turning point came when the eldest child bravely testified. With remarkable courage, the child told a different story, revealing the unsettling truth behind their journey. Their father had arranged for them to be transported from the DRC through a man known as “Papa Kofi’’ (not his real name). The journey was anything but safe—Agness kept switching vehicles, arguing with drivers and even planned to drug the children along the way to avoid detection.
Then came the most damning piece of evidence: voice notes recovered from Agness’ phone. They exposed her as a repeat offender, actively involved in smuggling children across borders into Zambia and Tanzania.
Drawing from insights gained during the TAKUZA Chililabombwe training, the Magistrate recognised what was at play and expertly applied the legal framework around child trafficking. Even though the prosecution couldn’t prove direct exploitation, the evidence showed Agness had the intent to traffic the children—which, under Section 12 of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act, is a crime in itself.
THE RULING?
Guilty on five counts of attempted child trafficking—a major win in Zambia’s fight against human trafficking.
This wasn’t just another statistic. It was proof that knowledge, when applied, leads to justice. It showed that equipping frontline officers isn’t just about information—it’s about empowerment. It’s about giving them the tools to save lives, protect the vulnerable and hold traffickers accountable.
The Magistrate’s ability to apply insights from the training made all the difference. It was a reminder that when frontline officers have the right skills and knowledge, they don’t just process cases—they deliver justice.
TAKUZA remains committed to strengthening Zambia’s response to human trafficking through continued training, collaboration and advocacy. We believe that every training session, every meaningful discussion and every shared experience helps pave way for a safer Zambia. Each step we take brings us closer to ensuring that survivors receive the protection and justice they deserve.
And when we see that impact play out in a courtroom, it reminds us exactly why we do what we do.
One case at a time, we are truly making a difference.