NATIONAL NEWS - “I did not even know that I was being trafficked,” were the words of a human trafficking victim, *Londi (35).
She was told by her cousin and best friend that there was a work opportunity at a restaurant for her in Brooklyn in Cape Town.
“I was told that it was good money and that transport, medical aid and accommodation would be provided.”
When she arrived in Brooklyn, everything seemed in order. After three days of royal treatment there, things took a turn for the worse. “So, after three days, I was told that I would have to work for my accommodation and food by selling drugs and doing sexual favours for clients,” she said. Londi also came across a room in the house where there were girls of different ages just lying on the floor and they did not even respond to her presence. “Now this is a normal-looking house and in my first three days nothing looked strange,” she said.
The men who were in charge asked Londi what drugs she used and she replied that she didn’t use drugs.
“I remember that one of my drinks was spiked and I was out for days.”
She told the RECORD that she started smoking rock.
Londi said that she had to have sex with three guys at the same time. According to her, the clients had to pay extra money if they chose not to use a condom. Londi saw about eight to 10 clients a day.
“I had to make 1 500 and upwards dash (it’s what they call their money unit) a day otherwise they would beat you up and you will not get any food.
“These men in charge made you feel so bad about yourself. They broke you down, physically and emotionally. I remember that I was once sold for R800,” she said.
On June 29 in 2018 she was freed with the help of members of the Christian Revival Church (CRC). The church goes out on street ministries and this is how Londi came across them.
“They freed me. I then went to a care centre (Project B) where I began to heal. I learned to love myself again. I learned how to forgive and I also learned about God,” said Londi.
Today she is still on the path of recovery.
“I am getting better every day. I mean they stole a lot of years from me, but with the help of the family of Project B, I will make it. I am so grateful for them.”
Londi is now also focused on becoming a chef as she wants to let people feel the passion she has for food.
“I love to cook and I love food,” she said.
*Londi is not her real name.
