A 34-year-old suspect has been arrested for trafficking in persons. The arrest was made by the Hawks when a minor female was screened and found to be a victim of human trafficking. The minor female has been placed in emergency care.
Image: File
A 34-year-old suspected human trafficker will make his first court appearance in the Wynberg Magistrates Court tomorrow morning after a minor female was screened and found to be a victim of trafficking.
Hawks spokesperson, Siyabulela Vukubi, said the girl was handed over to social workers from the Department of Social Development for emergency placement.
“A multi-disciplinary intelligence operation comprising of the Hawks based in Bellville and in George respectively, Cape Town National Intervention Unit and Tactical Response Team have on 12 March 2025 arrested a 34-year-old suspect for trafficking in persons.
“During September 2024, the DPCI (Hawks) in the Western Cape, supported by officials from Department of Home Affairs visited a suspected address in Plumstead, Cape Town. Twelve occupants were found on the premises of which five female persons were identified as sex workers. The person found to be managing the brothel was identified,” said Vukubi.
Vukubi confirmed more arrests are expected.
“Two traffickers were identified whereby warrants of arrest were authorised. On 12 March 2025, a tracing operation was conducted and one of the traffickers was arrested. More arrests are imminent,” said Vukubi.
The suspect will make his first appearance in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on 14 March 2025.
chevon.booysen@inl.co.za
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