The Hawks have arrested a third suspect allegedly linked to a brothel in Plumstead, where a 12-year-old girl was rescued and placed with social workers.
Hawks spokesperson, Siyabulela Vukubi, said the arrest on Monday was made in Durban following a joint operation with the Durban Metro Police K9 Unit.
“A multi-disciplinary team comprising the Hawks based in George and Durban respectively in collaboration with the Durban Metro Police K9 Unit have on March 24, 2025, arrested a 38-year-old suspect for trafficking in persons,” Vukubi said.
The arrest follows a September 2024 investigation by the Hawks, supported by officials from the Department of Home Affairs, who visited a suspicious address in Plumstead.
Vukubi said 12 occupants were found on the premises, of which five women were identified as sex workers.
“The person found to be managing the brothel was identified,” he said.
Vukubi said during the investigation, a minor female was screened and found to be a victim of trafficking.
The child 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,” he detailed.
Vukubi said the latest suspect is expected to make her first appearance in transit in the Durban Magistrate's Court on March 25, 2025, and will be transferred to Cape Town.
Earlier, the Department of Social Development said they cannot divulge any information about the minor who was trafficked.
Their office commended the role-players involved and said they were pleased the child was in safe hands.
The Western Cape Department of Social Development said: “We cannot divulge any details about the matter, such as where the child has been placed or personal details about the child, for the safety and wellbeing of the minor.”
Western Cape Social Development MEC, Jaco Londt, said: “I want to commend the authorities for clamping down on the alleged traffickers and for working with DSD to ensure the safeguarding of the minor victim. DSD social workers regularly work with entities such as the South African Police Service on matters like these, for the protection of any vulnerable person such as a child that may be involved. Human trafficking is a crime that requires vigilance from everyone."
Report suspicious behaviour or activity that you may believe could be trafficking-related to the SAPS or your nearest local DSD office, or by calling the South African National Human Trafficking Resource Line: 0800 222 777.
Cape Argus