CAPE TOWN – A foreign national (55) has been arrested in Goodwood in Cape Town following an investigation into the alleged trafficking of a young woman (21) found at a Rondebosch brothel.

The Hawks’ Economic Protected Resources team, assisted by the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and counter-trafficking organisation A21, arrested the man on Friday 18 September on a charge of trafficking in persons.

According to the Hawks, the arrest follows a search and seizure operation conducted at an identified brothel in Rondebosch on 27 August.

The operation involved the Hawks and officials from the Department of Home Affairs.

Woman identified as trafficking victim

During the operation, a 21-year-old woman, also a foreign national, was found at the premises and was allegedly working as a sex worker.

Further investigation identified the woman as a victim of trafficking, the Hawks said.

She was later taken for a medical examination.

The authorities subsequently continued their investigation and obtained an arrest warrant for the alleged suspect.

Suspect arrested in Goodwood

The search for the man ended in Goodwood, where he was arrested on Friday.

The arrest was made with the assistance of the City’s Law Enforcement officers and A21, the Hawks said.

The investigation forms part of efforts by law enforcement agencies and counter-trafficking organisations to identify and assist people who may be victims of human trafficking.

Man due in court on Monday

The suspect is expected to make his first appearance in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Monday 21 September.

The Hawks have not disclosed further details about the investigation or the circumstances surrounding the alleged trafficking while the matter remains before the courts.

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