A 29-year-old woman accused of human trafficking will remain in police custody until her next court appearance on Monday 28 September.
Jasmine Maureen Robert, a Nigerian national, made her second court appearance in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court today.
She was arrested by the Bellville Hawks Economic Protected Resources team on Sunday 13 September, following the rescue of a 22-year-old woman in Woodstock who was trafficked.
Robert has been charged with trafficking in persons and made her first court appearance on Tuesday 15 September.
According to WO Zinzi Hani, a spokesperson for the Hawks, the victim originally from Nigeria met Robert via Tik Tok in April this year as Robert 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 to Cape Town,” explained Hani.
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.”
It is reported that the suspect attempted to force the victim into prostitution, but she refused.
On Sunday 13 September the victim managed to escape and ran to Woodstock Police Station where she was assisted by officers.
Hani said Robert also went to the station asking about the victim’s whereabouts after which she was positively identified by the victim and arrested.
According to the Tears Foundation human trafficking in South Africa is a significant concern, with the country being a source, transit, and destination point for trafficked individuals.
The non-profit organisation supports survivors of rape and sexual abuse by connecting them with medical, legal, medico-legal and psychological services across South Africa.
It provides a free database and referral service to help survivors find the nearest available support.
According to the foundation approximately 155 000 people are living in modern slavery in South Africa. The majority of trafficking victims are women and children. And over 70% of trafficking victims in South Africa are trafficked for sexual exploitation.
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