A 29-year-old woman is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s court tomorrow (15 September) on charges related to human trafficking.   

The suspect, believed to be part of a trafficking in persons ring, was arrested by the Bellville Hawks Economic Protected Resource Team, on Sunday 13 September which led to the rescue of a 22-year-old woman who was trafficked.

According to WO Zinzi Hani, a spokesperson for the Hawks, the victim originally from Nigeria met the suspect via Tik Tok in April this year as the Cape Town-based suspect was looking for a hair stylist.  

“She (victim) agreed and the suspect made arrangements and paid for all her travel documents, passport and flight tickets from her original destination to Cape Town.”

Hani said once the victim arrived in Cape Town, she was picked up by the suspect where she was taken to a hotel.

“Through investigation it revealed that the suspect took the victim’s passport as well as her cellphone. Further, it is reported that the suspect attempted to force the victim into prostitution, but she refused.”

On Sunday, the victim managed to escape and ran to Woodstock Police Station where she was assisted by officers. 

“The suspect also came to the station to make enquiries regarding the whereabouts of the victim. She was pointed out by the victim and was immediately arrested,” said Hani.

Gary Adams, acting Woodstock Community Policing Forum (CPF) chair and public relations officer, welcomed the arrest. 

“We are glad that justice is going to be served and that the victim has been appeased in a way that the suspect has been arrested,” said Adams.

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