Klerksdorp – Suspected human trafficker 41-year-old Esther Mwanza on Friday made a brief appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court in the North West.
Mwanza was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation earlier on Friday morning in Klerksdorp for allegedly trafficking in persons.
Narrating events leading to Mwanza’s arrest, Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “It is reported that on 20 January 2023, two females aged 20 and 31 were found at the accused’s home”.
Captain Rikhotso added: “They alleged to have been trafficked from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa, where they allegedly endured labour exploitation.
“The victims were interviewed and subsequently taken to a place of safety which was provided by the Department of Social Development.”
Meanwhile, Mwanza’s court case was adjourned to next week Friday, (9 June 2023).
The accused was remanded in custody and is expected to apply for bail application at her next appearance.
