February 7, 2013Produced by Amos Phago
Join us as we infiltrate the underground world of the sex work industry. One of sex workers’ worst enemies are seemingly the men and women in uniform. In this episode we put the conduct of police under the spotlight. Sex workers allege that they are often picked up on the streets at night, harassed, arbitrarily detained and in some instances assaulted by members of the South African Police Service.
Despite the dangers involved in the trade and the social stigma attached to it, many sex workers say the high unemployment rates have forced them into the industry to be able to provide for their families, especially children. However, in South Africa sex work is a punishable offence under the Sexual Offences Act. In this episode we look at the questionable conduct of police as they try to enforce compliance with this legislation that gender advocates call outdated. Gender activists say the current legal framework simply heightens the stigma around the trade and gives police the green light to act with impunity.In one incident in Rustenburg in the North West, a sex worker known as Lerato allegedly died last year in September while in police custody. She was reportedly assaulted, thrown in the back of a police van with other sex workers, pepper sprayed and left behind overnight. It’s believed she died inside the van. No charges were ever brought against the other sex workers who were detained with Lerato. The allegations have been strongly denied by police who described them as malicious rumours aimed at denting the image of the SAPS.
Many sex workers say the high unemployment rates have forced them into the industry
Witnesses are afraid to come forward citing further harassment and possible arrest. Lerato’s body was never found and police say there are no records of her death. She was also never seen again and her fellow sex workers and gender advocats suspect a police cover up.
For more information:Special Assignment office: (011) 714-6758Acting Executive Producer: Adel van Niekerk – 082 510 0438
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