Pretoria – A multidisciplinary team consisting of various units within the South African Police Service (SAPS) led by the anti-kidnapping task team has arrested six suspects on suspicion of human trafficking and kidnapping in Mayfair.
National SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe on Thursday said: “Two Indian women aged between 20 and 24 years of age have since been rescued”.
She said a team consisting of private security received intelligence on a Johannesburg-based human trafficking network preying on Indian women.
“These women were allegedly enticed to the country with false promises of employment,” said Brigadier Mathe.
“Where upon arrival they were kept against their will, offered to clients leading to sexual encounters.”
Narrating events leading to the arrest, Brigadier Mathe said on Wednesday, (31 January 2024), SAPS members operationalised information and pounced on an identified address and a commercial site.
“Members seized an array of cellphones, numerous documents including passports and cash for further investigation,” said Brigadier Mathe.
“The six men are expected to face charges of human trafficking, sex trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion.
“They are expected to appear before court on Friday, (2 February 2024).”
Brigadier Mathe said investigations into the matter were continuing.
