Africa-Press – Namibia. A TOTAL of 706 human trafficking cases were reported in Namibia this year, with 36 confirmed and 680 classified as high-risk.
This was revealed by Chrispin Kamwi, the Deputy Director for Immigration and Border Control in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, speaking at the commemoration of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons at Onekwaya West village in the Endola Constituency.
Kamwi emphasised that these statistics represent real lives being destroyed. He defined human trafficking as a practice of exploiting individuals, especially women and children, for sexual and labour services.
“It is an illegal trade of humans through recruitment or abduction by force for the purpose of forced labour, debt bondage, and sexual exploitation. Women, especially young girls and children, are mostly the main target of trafficking in persons,” he said.
Kamwi noted that this modern form of slavery is not limited to international borders but also occurs within the country.
He added that trafficking robs people of their dignity and freedom, tears families apart, and leaves survivors “scarred for life.”
Kamwi highlighted a surge in illegal crossings at the Oshikango border post, particularly involving children contracted as cheap labour on Namibian farms.
He urged employers to follow the law and obtain proper work permits for foreign nationals instead of exploiting vulnerable Angolans.
Speaking at the same occasion, Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa indicated that Namibia has not been spared from this global crisis.
Between June 2024 and June 2025, six Namibians were repatriated from South Africa and East Asia after being trafficked. In the same period, four foreign nationals—two Angolans, one Batswana, and one Zambian—were returned to their home countries.
“We must work together to protect our people. If you see suspicious activities, report them. It could save a life,” she said.
She then called for stronger vigilance.
She stressed that traffickers often target women, children, and unemployed youth.
Echoing these concerns, Ohangwena Police Commander Commissioner Ottilie Kashuupulwa noted a trend of trafficking involving young men and women between Angola and Namibia for employment as cattle herders and domestic workers.
She urged community members to report suspicious behaviours and called on traditional leaders, teachers, nurses, and churches to be vigilant for early detection. Kashuupulwa also stressed that border officials must strictly enforce laws against cross-border crimes.
“I further call upon all Police Station Commanders in the regions that are bordering with Angola to initiate joint efforts, including joint patrols and awareness campaigns along the borders to curb the transnational trafficking of human beings,” she concluded.
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