The case against a 29-year-old woman accused of human trafficking has been postponed to Monday 21 September in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court for a bail application.

Jasmine Maureen Robert, a Nigerian National, 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 yesterday (15 September).

According to WO Zinzi Hani, a spokesperson for the Hawks, the victim originally from Nigeria met the 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.”

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

“Through investigation it revealed that the suspect took the victim’s passport as well as her cell phone,” explained Hani. 

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.

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.

ALSO READ: Cape Town woman arrested after Nigerian victim rescued in Woodstock