Two foreign nationals accused of human trafficking appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning, 30 September, following the rescue of a 22-year-old woman in Woodstock earlier this month.

Ogechukwu Maduagu (35) and Kabira Ologunro (25) were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime’s (Hawks) Economic Protected Resources team in connection with the case on Tuesday 29 September.

Their arrest follows that of Jasmine Maureen Robert (29), who was arrested on Sunday 13 September in connection with the same case.

Lt Col Siyabulela Vukubi, spokesperson for the Hawks, said the matter involving Maduagu and Ologunro was postponed to Monday 5 October for bail information and legal representation.

Court appearance

Robert, who made her third court appearance on Monday 28 September, remained in police custody. She will also appear alongside the two suspects at their next appearance.

Robert was arrested by the Bellville Hawks Economic Protected Resources team on Sunday 13 September after the victim escaped and ran to Woodstock Police Station.

According to Vukubi, the victim, originally from Nigeria, had met Robert via TikTok in April this year when the latter was looking for a hair stylist.

He said the 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 Robert and taken to a hotel.

It is reported that Robert attempted to force the victim into prostitution, but she refused.

On Sunday 13 September the victim managed to escape and fled to Woodstock Police Station, where she was assisted by officers, while 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.

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