Suspected traffickers targeting women from India to appear in court

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Six suspects believed to be part of a Johannesburg-based human trafficking network that preys on women from India are expected to appear in the city’s Magistrate’s Court today.

The suspects were arrested in Mayfair yesterday.

They face charges of human and sex trafficking, kidnapping and extortion.

National Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says during an operation, officers rescued two women in their twenties.

She says they were lured to South Africa from India with promises of employment.

“Upon arrival, these women are kept against their will and offered to clients leading to sexual encounters. Our SAPS members operationalised information on Wednesday this week and pounced on an identified address at a commercial site. Member seized an array of cell phones, numerous documents including passports and cash for further investigation.”

SA identified as the source, transit point and destination for human trafficking

An international report from last year has identified South Africa as the source, transit point, as well as a destination for human trafficking.

The report was compiled by the US Agency for International Development and its research partners and is aimed at providing evidence on the nature and magnitude of human trafficking in the country to policymakers.

Director of the Women Empowerment Organisation at Wise 4 Afrika, Advocate Brenda Madumise, elaborates on the report’s findings in the video below: