Human trafficking SAPS Hawks 2

Photo: SAPS / Twitter

Just in: Hawks arrest five human trafficking suspects in ‘brothel raid’

The Hawks have swooped on Sunday: A special operation has led to the arrest of multiple suspects accused of human trafficking offences.

Human trafficking SAPS Hawks 2

Photo: SAPS / Twitter

South Africa’s top crime-fighting unit, Hawks, has apprehended five suspects allegedly involved in a human trafficking operation across two provinces. The raid, coordinated with SAPS, was launched early on Sunday morning.

Hawks bust human trafficking operation – latest updates

In total, three properties were targeted, leading to multiple arrests. It’s understood that the victims were trafficked from Namibia and Lesotho. However, there are reports that some young women had simply been moved across South Africa, with a number of the rescued party hailing from Limpopo.

The seedy operation moved these women into brothels, located in both Rustenburg (North West) and Kuruman (Northern Cape). SAPS released a brief statement on the matter shortly after the raid had concluded:

“Today, Hawks arrested five suspects for the alleged human trafficking of young women from Limpopo, Lesotho and Namibia to work in brothels situated in Rustenburg and Kuruman. Suspects were arrested at three properties during a take-down operation on Sunday 27 September.”

SAPS statement on the human trafficking raid conducted on Sunday

South Africans ‘weary’ of abduction threat

The threat of human trafficking has been prominent during the month of September. High-profile incidents have garnered international attention, with alleged attempts to snatch children and young women reported across the country.

Several protests have taken place, as gatvol South Africans vented their frustrations on the streets. But, at least for today, Hawks have been able to strike a significant blow against the criminals running such heinous schemes.