Seven of the 19 people arrested in connection with two separate human trafficking sex dens in Springs appeared in the Springs Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The remaining 12 people were released without being charged.
Noon
Five of the 17 people, four women and a man, arrested on May 24 in connection with alleged sex exploitation and human trafficking in Third Street briefly this morning when their case was postponed to June 6 for further investigation.
According to Capt Johannes Ramphora, SAPS spokesperson, the other 12 people 2who were arrested, including a man believed to be a local soap star, were released this morning as no evidence was found against them.
He adds: “The women were living off the proceeds of prostitution.”
The five suspects will remain in custody at Modderbee Prison until their next court appearance.
11am
The case of two, a man (42) and woman (19), arrested in connection with an alleged human trafficking den in Eighth Street, which was bust on May 19, appeared in the Springs Magistrate’s Court this morning (Monday).
This was their second appearance and judge Daphne van Vuuren postponed the case to June 9.
The man faces charges of human trafficking, possession of drugs and possession of pornographic material and the woman will be charged with kidnapping.
According to Springs Police spokesperson Capt Johannes Ramphora, the postponement will allow police to further investigate the man’s possible connection to other, similar cases.
The man will remain in custody at Modderbee Prison, while the woman is being kept at a place of safety, until their next appearance.
The 11 women and 6 men, including a man believed to be a local soap star, who were arrested on May 24 in what is believed to be a second human trafficking den will appear in court later today.
9am
On Monday morning, a number of people gathered outside the court to oppose bail in two cases of alleged human trafficking.
The man and woman arrested on May 19 will make their second appearance after they were taken into custody after a raid of a house in Eighth Street.
The 17 people arrested last Wednesday, in Third Street, are expected to make their first appearance today.
