Suspects believed to be part of a human trafficking network in Johannesburg.
- Police in Johannesburg have uncovered what they believe to be a human trafficking network.
- Police said the syndicate allegedly lured women from India to South Africa.
- Six men were arrested, and two Indian women were rescued.
Police in Johannesburg believe they have uncovered a human trafficking network that lures women from India to South Africa, with the promise of employment, but they are then held captive, and forced into prostitution.
In a statement on Thursday, police said a multidisciplinary team, including private security, and led by the anti-kidnapping task team, had received intelligence about a human trafficking syndicate “preying on Indian women”.
“These women were allegedly enticed to the country with false promises of employment. Upon arrival, they were kept against their will, offered to clients, leading to sexual encounters,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
Suspects believed to be part of a human trafficking network in Johannesburg.
On Wednesday, police launched an operation, based on the information, and pounced on the identified address and a commercial site in Mayfair.
Six people were arrested, and two Indian women, aged between 20 and 24, were rescued, Mathe said.
“Members seized an array of cellphones, numerous documents, including passports and cash, for further investigation.”
The six men are expected to face charges of human trafficking, sex trafficking, kidnapping and extortion.
They are expected to appear in court before on Friday.