Four suspects were arrested for human trafficking by the Randburg police in Ferndale on 21 January.
In an update on 24 Jaunary, it has been confirmed that the Hawks have taken over the case. Gauteng provincial spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele confirmed the investigation and said that the case is now in the hands of the Hawks.
The suspects have since appeared at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, however, details about the court proceeding is unknown at this stage.
According to Honeydew police spokesperson Captain Balan Muthan, the suspects – two men aged 29 and 30, and two women aged 22 and 25 – lured an 18-year-old KwaZulu-Natal woman in South Beach Durban during the festive season, offering job opportunities in Johannesburg, where she could earn a lot of money.
“The teenager was met by the 22-year-old suspect in South Beach. She was brought into Gauteng believing she will be given a job and earn up to R20 000 [per month],” he said.
Muthan added that she was held at a lodge in Ferndale where she was forced to take drugs and consume alcohol, and sold into prostitution.
Muthan continued that Randburg Police received information about the matter and swiftly followed up on it. It is further alleged that nine other women were identified to be working at the lodge as prostitutes.
Muthan further confirmed the suspects are expected to appear in the Randurg Magistrates’ Court on 23 January, facing human trafficking related charges.
It is still unclear when the teenager will be reunited with her family, but Muthan confirmed that she has been taken to a place of safety where she will be receiving the necessary help she requires.
