Human Trafficking Ring Busted in Johannesburg: Two Indian Women Rescued

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested six individuals in Mayfair, Johannesburg, on suspicion of human trafficking and kidnapping.

Six people are set to appear in court after police rescued two Indian women who were enticed to come to South Africa, and used for sexual exploitation. Picture: SAPS

The arrests came after the successful rescue of two Indian women, aged between 20 and 24, who had been trafficked to South Africa under false promises and were subjected to sexual exploitation.

The anti-kidnapping task team, along with various units within SAPS and private security, led a coordinated effort to dismantle a human trafficking network operating in Johannesburg.

The victims were allegedly lured to South Africa with deceptive promises of employment and were subsequently held against their will, forced into sexual encounters with clients.

National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, provided insight into the operation, stating:

“The team consisting of private security received intelligence on a Johannesburg-based human trafficking network preying on Indian women.”

Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement identified and raided a commercial site in Mayfair, seizing a range of items, including cellphones, documents, passports, and cash.

The arrests were made on charges related to human trafficking, sex trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion.

Mathe emphasised the gravity of the situation, revealing that the rescued women were promised employment but found themselves ensnared in a web of exploitation upon their arrival in South Africa.

What’s next for the human traffickers

The suspects, now in custody, are expected to appear before court on Friday to face the charges brought against them.

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