More than 2,000 children were reported missing in South Africa in the past three years in what some authorities say appears to be signaling a disturbing trend. Missing Children South Africa, a nongovernmental organization that assists police in missing persons cases, says the number of missing children is likely even higher, with many incidents, particularly in rural areas, unreported. The majority of the 2,000 children were found, but more than 700 remain missing without a trace, according to law enforcement authorities. Bianca van Aswegen, national coordinator for Missing Children South Africa, said abductions and human trafficking are indicative of the country’s rising crime rate. However, she said cases also involve children who have left home voluntarily or are from homes where the parents aren’t financially able to provide for the child. Additionally, a human rights organization raised concerns about increased kidnappings for ransom done by organized crime rings.
