In response to the national calling by the President of the Republic of South Africa in fighting the scourge of gender-based violence including human trafficking, the Hawks together with the other stakeholders identified houses used as brothels in eMalahleni.
The disruptive operation was conducted by members of the Hawks Mpumalanga, Local Criminal Record Centre, When Duty Call Head Office, Corporate Communication, Tactical Response Team, Family Child Protection Unit Witbank, SAPS Witbank and Department of Home Affairs in Witbank on the early hours of December 10.
During the search in the identified premises, sex workers were interviewed and they confirmed that they originate from Zimbabwe and Lesotho and all provinces.
More than ten suspects were arrested and taken to the police station and charged for contravening the immigration act and dealing in drugs. The suspects between the ages of 29 and 49 will appear before the Witbank Magistrate’s Court on Friday, December 11.
The main aim of the Hawks was to disrupt the illegal activities and to create awareness on gender-based violence including trafficking in persons.
During the campaign more information was shared by the community about gender-based violence and trafficking in persons.
In closing the MMC of Emalahleni Municipality and the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Mpumalanga Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the work done by the teams in organising and executing the program successfully. They made a call for unity in fighting against crime.
They concluded by encouraging all victims to report their complaints to the police and undertook to continue with this type of campaigns to create awareness to our communities.
