Crackdown on human trafficking: Multi-disciplinary team arrests female suspect
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.
A multi-disciplinary team comprising the Hawks based in George and Durban respectively in collaboration with the Durban Metro Police K9 Unit arrested a 38-year-old suspect for trafficking in persons.
In September 2024, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Western Cape, supported by officials from the Department of Home Affairs visited a suspected address in Plumstead, Cape Town.
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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.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lt Col Siyabulela Vukubi, said, “During investigations, a minor female was screened and found to be a victim of trafficking. She was handed over to the social workers from the Department of Social Development for emergency placement.”
Furthermore, two traffickers were identified whereby warrants of arrest were authorised.
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The suspect will make her first appearance in transit in the Durban Magistrates Court and thereafter, will be transferred to Cape Town.
The matter against the first accused was postponed to April 17, 2025, for a formal bail application.
