THE Salvation Army has launched a new toll free hotline in a bid to curb human trafficking before and after the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

THE Salvation Army has launched a new toll free hotline in a bid to curb human trafficking before and after the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

The hotline - 08000-RESCUE (08000 737283) - is a partnership between the Salvation Army and BE HEARD, an independent organisation that operates call centres. The aim is to step up the fight against human trafficking - particularly child trafficking - that will surely get worse during and after the World Cup.

The Salvation Army's coordinator of the anti-human trafficking task team Major Marieke Venters said they had already trained 12 consultants who would man the call centre 24 hours a day. Venter said the launch of the hotline was a catalyst that would prompt other non-governmental organisations to act.

"This toll free number will allow people to call for help on human trafficking matters. It will also serve as a platform for people to tip us off about suspicious circumstances," she said.

Venter urged government to pass legislation on human trafficking so that offenders could be prosecuted.

Brain Adams of BE HEARD said: "We will treat every call we receive as an allegation. It will be difficult to find fast reaction times in saving people's lives and also not disregard other people's right," he said.

Adams said they would work with Childline and the police.