POLOKWANE – The Hawks’ Provincial spokesperson, Capt Matimba Maluleke says citizens should not be desperate when they look for employment because this attracts criminals and traffickers. This is after four victims aged between 15 and 20 who were allegedly kept under lock were rescued in Chebeng, outside Seshego recently.
The hawks have since arrested a 25-year-old man, Raymond Sithole who is believed to be a trafficker. The suspect is expected to appear before the Seshego Magistrates Court today for a formal bail application.
The suspected trafficker first appeared before court on 9 January on charges of Human Trafficking but his case was postponed to tomorrow and he was remanded in custody. Maluleke said they got a tip-off from the community members and this led to the arrest of Sithole.
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According to Maluleke, the victims were taken for psychological treatment and medical attention after they were rescued.
Human trafficking is the trade of humans, most commonly for the purpose of sexual slavery, forced labor, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others.
He said, “We got a tip-off from the community about the suspect and our team reacted swiftly to the matter and managed to rescue the victims. Citizens should not be desperate when looking for employment because criminals always take advantage of desperate people.”
He further said internet dating is also a major problem and advised young people to avoid exchanging texts with strangers as they might fall into a trap. He added that human traffickers always promise the victims expensive things to lure them into the trap. Maluleke encouraged citizens not to fall for human traffickers’ tricks and alert the police when they foresee danger.
