By Annie Zulu
The Zambian Government has announced the successful repatriation of a one year eight months old child who had been trafficked to Mozambique.
Addressing the press, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary Angela Kawandami expressed relief and pride in the safe return of the child, who was reportedly trafficked from Lundazi District in October 2023.
The case was promptly reported to the Lundazi Police Station on October 28, 2023 and the child had been placed in a care facility in Tete, Mozambique.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized Zambia's commitment to safeguarding children's rights, citing the Children’s Code Act of 2022 and the Anti-Human Trafficking Act of 2008 as critical legal pillars for child protection.
“These laws mandate the state and relevant actors to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of children, especially those at risk of trafficking,” Ms Kawandami said.
She added that the success of the operation highlighted the importance of Zambia's National Referral Mechanism, which ensures a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to trafficking cases.
“Through effective collaboration between the Ministries of Community Development and Social Services, Home Affairs and Internal Security, and the Zambia Police Service's Anti-Human Trafficking Department and Interpol Unit, the child was returned safely after a year of continuous efforts,” she said.
Ms. Kawandami also took the opportunity to raise awareness about the growing threat of human trafficking, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases.
And Ministry of Home Affairs Director for Anti-Human Trafficking Boris Mulengu praised the strong cooperation between Zambia and Mozambique, underscoring the significance of inter-governmental collaboration in combating human trafficking.
Meanwhile, the child's mother expressed deep gratitude for her child's safe return, acknowledging the emotional toll the abduction had on her.
She thanked the Zambian government and all involved agencies for their dedication in securing the return of her child.
