GQEBERHA – Three Peruvian women were rescued during a multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation at a lodge in Bluewater Bay following allegations of human trafficking, fraudulent recruitment, immigration-related offences and suspected cybercrime.

The operation was carried out by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, in collaboration with Department of Home Affairs’ immigration officials.

The team acted on information received through the National Human Trafficking Hotline, triggered by an alert from the Peruvian Government about an 18-year-old Peruvian national allegedly recruited under false pretences and lured to South Africa with the promise of employment at an online call centre.

How the alert unfolded

The Hawks said in a statement that preliminary information indicates that the young woman arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on 2 October and was transported to Gqeberha the following day, where she was allegedly accommodated at a lodge in Bluewater Bay.

“Upon arrival, she reportedly discovered that the activities taking place at the premises differed significantly from the employment opportunity she had been promised. The premises were allegedly being used to run online scams targeting individuals in Peru, with participants reportedly expected to communicate in Spanish,” the Hawks said.

The woman subsequently contacted her father in Peru and provided information that helped authorities locate the suspected operation.

On Friday, 16 October at approximately 17:00, Hawks members descended on the identified premises, where they encountered 26 individuals — 14 Peruvian women and 12 men.

The men reportedly included two South African nationals allegedly employed as drivers, two Chinese nationals identified as tenants of the premises associated with the online business, and eight Peruvian men.

The circumstances surrounding the individuals’ presence at the premises and their respective roles are being investigated.

Victims taken to safety

“During the operation, the 18-year-old woman and two other Peruvian women, who reportedly arrived on the same date, were removed from the premises and taken to a place of safety. They are expected to receive further assistance and support,” the Hawks said.

Police also seized electronic equipment, including laptops, desktop computers and mobile phones, for further investigation.

The remaining 23 individuals were taken to various local police stations pending further investigation. Their respective roles, immigration status and possible involvement in the suspected criminal activities remain subject to verification.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation is continuing.

Brigadier Romeo Petrus, Eastern Cape Hawks Acting Provincial Head, acknowledged the role played by the National Human Trafficking Hotline and commended the swift response of the joint law enforcement team in rescuing the three women.

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