Four Suspects Arrests For Human Trafficking In Bloemfontein

Four suspects have been arrested for a Human trafficking operation in Bloemfontein, where a 39-year-old woman was allegedly lured into a life of exploitation.

Police raid on Tuesday led to the arrest of four suspects, aged between 20 and 40, who now face charges of trafficking in persons, illegal possession of drugs, illegal possession of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) uniform, and possession of firearms and ammunition.

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This bust was carried out by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) unit, following a tip-off about an ongoing human trafficking case at a residence in Bayswater, Bloemfontein.

According to Free State police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli, the victim was allegedly lured by a female suspect who had promised her a better life.

“Once at the house, the recruiter was paid, and the victim was provided with food and clothes. However, things quickly turned sinister when she was force-fed drugs and forced to perform sexual acts and household chores,” Mohobeleli stated.

In response to the victim’s plight, authorities conducted simultaneous raids on two properties, leading to the arrest of the four suspects.

During the raids, police seized crystal meth and mandrax,South African military uniform, cellphones and a bank card scanner and two firearms with ammunition

Following the operation, Free State Hawks head, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, urged the public to remain vigilant against human trafficking.

“Let us verify opportunities, even if they are presented by trusted people. Traffickers often disguise their true intentions under the guise of employment or financial security,” Bokaba warned.

Bloemfontein case comes just weeks after a landmark human trafficking conviction in Johannesburg.

On 17 January, 36-year-old Emmanuel Uzoaga was sentenced for trafficking in persons, fraud, and immigration violations.

His legal troubles began in May 2021, when Upington police received a tip-off that he was transporting an 18-year-old victim to Johannesburg for sexual exploitation. Investigations uncovered a brothel in Lonehill, where three additional victims were rescued.

“All victims had been lured from Upington under false pretences by an accomplice, Luzinda Pinky Abraham, who worked as a recruiter,” said Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi.

Abraham, a former trafficking victim, recruited young women under the promise of better opportunities, only for them to be forced into prostitution and drug dependency.

The Gauteng High Court sentenced Uzoaga to 20 years for human trafficking, 4 years for fraud, 4 years for uttering (fraudulent document use), 12 months for illegal immigration and his sentences will run concurrently, and he has been declared unfit to own a firearm.

Meanwhile, Abraham was sentenced to either two years in prison or a R10,000 fine.

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These high-profile arrests and convictions highlight the growing human trafficking crisis in South Africa.

Hawks and other law enforcement agencies continue to urge citizens to report suspicious activities linked to trafficking and exploitation.

However, If you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline on 0800 222 777.

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