Former Police Officer Among Trio Arrested For Human Trafficking And Rape In Bloemfontein

A former police Warrant Officer has been arrested alongside two other suspects in connection with a chilling human trafficking case involving rape and attempted murder. The arrests were made on 30 June 2025 by a multi-disciplinary team led by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Bloemfontein. The team also included the K-9 Unit, Crime Intelligence, and Police Emergency Services.

The suspects, aged between 29 and 59, are facing serious charges including trafficking in persons, rape, and attempted murder. One of the accused is a retired officer who was previously attached to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in Bloemfontein until his retirement in 2019.

Victim Lured Through Fake Facebook Job Post

According to the Hawks, the 26-year-old victim was lured in July 2022 by a deceptive Facebook job advert promising employment as a bartender at a gentleman’s club in Ferreira, Bloemfontein. The woman began communicating with the alleged club owner, who arranged for her transport from Ventersburg.

Shortly after her arrival in Bloemfontein, the victim was taken to one of the suspect’s residences, where her nightmare began. She was allegedly drugged, sexually assaulted, and raped by multiple men. She further told police that one of the suspects took photographs during the assault.

The victim eventually managed to escape through a bathroom window and sought help. Her case was initially reported to local police and later handed over to the Hawks for investigation.

Hawks Commended for Relentless Pursuit of Justice

The three suspects are expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court in July 2025. Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for a fourth suspect still at large.

Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, Head of the Hawks in the Free State, praised the officers for their commitment to justice.

“Our investigators have demonstrated that no one is above the law. We commend them for pursuing this case with professionalism and integrity, regardless of who was involved in the crime,” said Bokaba.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information about the fourth suspect to come forward.

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