16 girls saved from human traffickers

In an intelligence driven destructive operation this past week led by the HAWKS and supported by the SAPS K9, Tactical Response Unit, Intervention Unit, Home Affairs Immigration, Air Wing and other police units dealt a severe blow to human traffickers and drug peddlers.

“Operation Expose”, a nationwide law enforcement action that took place last week Friday and Saturday concluded with the arrest of 7 suspects, recovered an assortment of illegal drugs valued at R150 000 and rescued 16 girls from possible human traffickers.

The Hawks, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, conducted the first of the operation at Ekurhuleni Metropolitan suburbs of Benoni, Boksburg, Reiger Park, Eldorado Park and Kempton Park.

The National Head of the Hawks Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza congratulated all the members involved. Lieutenant General Ntlemeza said the destructive operation will send a positive message to drugs dealers and human traffickers and that one girl enslaved in sexual exploitation is one girl too many.  He said drugs and human trafficking are monstrous and devastating crimes that steals lives and degrades our nation.

“I must mention without fear that I was disturbed to hear that we still had rogue elements within the SAPS and the local Metro Police who are working with this criminals.  Together with Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane we will be relentless in our internal cleansing efforts. We have to eliminate scallywags from within our ranks.

“To all law enforcement officers especially our own police who are corrupt, abusive, indolent and syndicate, your days are numbered.  Continue to collude with the and face total eviction.  We cannot destroy a whole generation even as the people who are mandated to secure their future are watching. This won’t happen under our leadership.  Otherwise, you can go AWOL (absence without leave), continue being a drug lord and declare war against us,” he vowed.

Lieutenant General Ntlemeza said the law enforcement agencies are committed to doing everything in their power to protect victims and hold perpetrators to account.  But he said police cannot prevent drugs and the violence on innocent children on their own. He called on the communities to act and work with police.

Meanwhile, the 16 girls rescued have been taken to a place of safety. The owner and possibly the ringleader responsible for trafficking girls for prostitution is still being pursued by the Hawks.   The seven suspects will appear at the Kempton Park and Boksburg Magistrate courts respectively on Monday on human trafficking and drug related charges.