Rising Drug Cartel Threats to South Africans, Warns BABSA

A worrying trend of human trafficking and exploitation by international drug cartels has emerged, particularly impacting South Africans facing economic hardships. The civil society organisation Baagi ba South Africa (BABSA) has sounded the alarm on this escalating issue, emphasising the role of unemployment in creating vulnerable populations.

According to the Department of International Relations, 680 South Africans were imprisoned abroad for drug-related crimes in 2023, underscoring the gravity of the situation. BABSA has been instrumental in reuniting 36 South African drug mules with their families over the past six years, highlighting the organisation’s dedication to addressing this crisis.

Founder and CEO Glory Matipile stressed that many individuals caught in trafficking schemes are often unsuspecting victims. “Most of them are actually victims of human trafficking. We found that many have been applying for jobs overseas, and the high unemployment rate in South Africa makes them easy targets for these cartels, who exploit them as drug traffickers,” Matipile explained.

Furthermore, Matipile warned of online scams where victims form romantic relationships, primarily through social media platforms like Facebook. “Once groomed, they are encouraged to visit their partners abroad, only to arrive in a foreign country and face a harsh reality where they are coerced into illegal activities,” she added.

The situation underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and protective measures against the predatory tactics of drug cartels preying on South Africans. As BABSA continues its efforts to assist victims, the community must remain vigilant against these growing threats.