By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, August 1, Mana: Global Hope Mobilisation (GLOHOMO) says proper coordination amongst stakeholders in Mangochi has potential to combat trafficking in persons which is a common practice in the district.
Speaking during the commemoration of anti-human trafficking day on Monday, which was held at Kwiputi Primary School in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Jalasi, Case Tracking Officer for GLOHOMO, Madalitso Magelegele said issues of trafficking in persons are common in Mangochi as many people are tricked to find jobs in countries like South Africa.
Magelegele said raising awareness on prevention, prosecution and protection on trafficking in persons would help minimise future occurrence of such incidences.
“It is so disheartening that in this 21st century, we are still witnessing cases of trafficking in persons, a malpractice which violates human rights, health concerns and governance.
"Mangochi is considered as a transit and destination district for victims and, as an organisation, we believe that working jointly with other districts and community stakeholders can really help the fight against trafficking in persons,” he said.
Magelegele also urged young girls and boys, who are mostly victims of the malpractice, to be on alert and report anyone to authorities once they sense such danger, saying community is crucial in dealing with the malpractice.
Chairperson for Mangochi District Council, Hassan Chikuta commended GLOHOMO for its efforts in curbing human trafficking saying such interventions are bearing fruits in the district.
"As a council, we appreciate what GLOHOMO is doing in Mangochi. As such, we would like to request other able partners to come in and support us in raising awareness against the malpractice," said Chikuta.
Member for Malomba Area Development Committee, Elias Kandiotchi, conquered with the council chairperson saying through Tigwirane Manja Project, the committee has managed to rescue four people out of seven cases reported to them this year.
Kandiotchi, however, said the committee faces numerous challenges such as lack of transportation in their fight against the trend.
GLOHOMO is implementing Tigwirane Manja Project with funding from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in nine districts of the country including Mangochi.
The organisation has been following and supporting a total of 45 trafficking cases that are in the courts across Malawi particularly in the focused districts of Phalombe, Machinga, Dedza, Ntchisi, Kasungu, Mzimba, Mangochi, Karonga and Ntchisi.
Out of 45 cases, five are from Mangochi.
