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- The Hawks raided two brothels in the Northwest and a brothel in the North Cape.
- The raids resulted in the rescue of 11 alleged victims of human trafficking.
- The Hawks believe the suspects are part of a larger criminal group.
Eleven suspected human trafficking victims were rescued Sunday morning after the Hawks raided three brothels in two different provinces after a year-long investigation.
Five suspects were arrested during the raids.
The raids on two brothels in Rustenburg in the northwest, as well as one in Kuruman in the North Cape, followed an investigation by the Hawks into human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
With the help of Crime Intelligence, K9, TRT, Crime Scene Investigation and Home Affairs, the Hawks attacked two guesthouses, Birdsong Bed and Breakfast and Noble Guest House on Kerk Street, Rustenburg, which were allegedly used as brothels.
Hawks spokesman Brig. Hangwani Mulaudzi said seven victims – a Zambian, a Zimbabwean, three Lesotho nationals and two South Africans – were rescued in Rustenburg, while four South African women were rescued in Kuruman.
Prostitutes
“The women, between the ages of 20 and 39, were used as prostitutes at the facility after they were allegedly lured in by the suspects with a promise of employment,” Mulaudzi alleged.
During the raids, five suspects, aged between 28 and 46, who are believed to be part of an organized criminal group, were also arrested.
“An undisclosed amount of money was seized from all the premises. The receipt stubs and three vehicles that were used in the commission of the crime were also seized.”
The brothels were also closed.
Hawks Chief Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya welcomed the arrests and praised the community for the role they played in reporting the matter to the Hawks.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Rustenburg and Kuruman Magistrates Courts respectively on Monday.
