Alleged human trafficker arrested, four rescued outside Polokwane

Four Zimbabwe nationals were rescued and a 25-year-old man arrested for alleged human trafficking in Chebeng Village, near Seshego, Polokwane, on Monday, reports the Review Online.

According to a statement issued by Hawks spokesperson Captain Matimba Maluleke, it is alleged the four victims were kept under lock and key after they were smuggled into the country with false promises of good jobs and better lives in South Africa.

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“It was also discovered that the victims were allegedly forced to steal and forcibly work for the suspect without payment while brutally assaulted if they did not comply with the suspect’s instructions,” said Maluleke.

The suspect appeared briefly in the Seshego Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody pending further police investigations.

He is set to reappear before the court on January 9.

The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Thobeka Jozi, has lauded her team for responding swiftly and making the arrest.

Major General Jozi commended the members who played a part in the success of the operation and warned human traffickers.

“We warn those engaged in human trafficking that Limpopo will never be used as a getaway to exploit the innocent and vulnerable.

“The operation should serve as a serious warning that we will do everything to protect victims of human trafficking and call upon our communities to work with us and report those engaged in this inhumane activity,” she concluded.

– Caxton News Service

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