A comprehensive human trafficking and prostitution operation involving young women recruited from the former Transkei region was dismantled by the Hawks East London Serious Organised Crime Investigation on 15 October 2025, following an extensive investigation that began in September 2023.
According to a Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the investigation, which began in September 2023, uncovered allegations that a female suspect, a teacher at an East London school, had been recruiting young women from Qumbu, Mthatha, and Ngqeleni.
The victims were allegedly transported from different areas to East London, where they were ostensibly housed at the suspect’s residence and coerced into prostitution.
Mhlakuvana added that preliminary findings revealed that the victims were engaged in sexual activities with various clients, from whom they reportedly received payments.
“The suspect supposedly profited from these illegal activities by charging accommodation fees ranging between R250 and R300 per night, depending on the room,” he said. “It is further alleged that she personally collected the proceeds or directed the victims to transfer the funds through her bank account.”
An arrest warrant was authorised for the swift arrest of the suspect. The 52-year-old suspect was arrested at her workplace in East London on 15 October 2025.
The accused is facing charges of trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation and running an illegal brothel.
Mhlakuvana said that the accused is expected to appear before the East London Magistrate’s Court on 16 October 2025.
The Provincial Head of the DPCI, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, commended the persistent efforts of the investigating team and reiterated the Hawks’ commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks that prey on vulnerable individuals in the province.
