Five children believed to be victims of human trafficking have been intercepted in Kazungula District, a border town that has increasingly become a hotspot for transnational trafficking activities.
Kazungula District Social Welfare Officer Bryson Mweemba said the five victims include two Ugandan nationals, two Congolese, and one Malawian national, who were being transported through Kazungula to unknown destinations.
Mr Mweemba explained that the children who were earlier placed under the care of relevant welfare authorities have since been repatriated back to their countries of origin.
He noted that the interception of the children by law enforcement officers in the area is believed to have occurred between July and September this year.
Mr Mweemba stated that following the incident, a stakeholders’ meeting convened in Kazungula to deliberate on ways to curb the growing trend of human trafficking in the area.
He said the town’s geographical position as a major entry and exit point, makes it vulnerable to trafficking syndicates.
Mr Mweemba noted that most cases recorded involve children who are trafficked for labour, sexual exploitation, or transit to other countries in the region.
“Kazungula has continued to experience worrying cases of human trafficking, especially involving minors. We need stronger coordination among law enforcement agencies and community awareness to protect vulnerable children,” Mr Mweemba said.
The meeting has brought together representatives from key institutions including the Judiciary, National Prosecution Authority (NPA), Zambia Police Service, Department of Immigration, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Social Welfare Department, and the media.
Stakeholders at the meeting have since called for enhanced border surveillance, improved information sharing among agencies, and sensitisation campaigns targeting local communities to help identify and report suspected trafficking activities.
The meeting will also seek to strengthen the district’s response mechanisms through closer collaboration between security agencies, social welfare officers, and the judiciary to ensure that perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
Human trafficking remains a major challenge in Southern Province, with Kazungula and Livingstone identified as key transit points owing to their proximity to neighboring countries.
