Six human trafficking cases reported in Namibia amid rising cross-border exploitation concerns

The police have recorded six cases of human trafficking between June 2024 and June 2025, police chief inspector general Joseph Shikongo says.

Speaking at a World Day Against Trafficking in Persons event at Rundu, Shikongo revealed that five Namibian victims were repatriated from Myanmar during the same period.

Myanmar is a southeast Asian country known to be a trafficking hotspot.

In addition, one victim was returned from Laos, while four others were repatriated from Namibia to Angola, two from Botswana, and one from Zambia.

Shikongo highlighted a growing trend of trafficking involving young people between Namibia and neighbouring countries, including Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

Many of these individuals are trafficked for employment as cattle herders and domestic workers.

He urged regional police commanders in border areas to launch coordinated efforts, such as joint patrols, to combat transnational trafficking.

Although training for law-enforcement officers has been ongoing since 2016, Shikongo acknowledged that financial limitations have hampered further progress.

Also speaking at the event was the head of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Namibia, Florence Situmbeko, who emphasised the need for a stronger focus on social justice issues in the fight against trafficking.

“These include addressing inequality, discrimination, and labour migration opportunities,” she said.

She cited the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly target 10.7, which aims to promote safe, orderly, and responsible migration.

Situmbeko said prosecuting trafficking networks remains challenging, calling for innovative strategies to deliver justice to survivors.

She stressed the need for increased investment in evaluating anti-trafficking measures and researching current trends to inform future efforts.

The event was held under the theme ‘Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation’.

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