Three Peruvian Women Rescued From Suspected Human Trafficking Operation In Gqeberha

Three Peruvian women have been rescued from a lodge in Gqeberha following allegations of human trafficking, fraudulent recruitment and suspected online criminal activity. The operation involved the Hawks and the Department of Home Affairs’ immigration officials after authorities received information about an 18-year-old woman allegedly lured to South Africa with a false promise of employment. No arrests have been made, and investigations are continuing.

Gqeberha Human Trafficking Investigation Leads To Three Rescues

The Gqeberha human trafficking investigation began after the National Human Trafficking Hotline received information from the Peruvian Government about an 18-year-old national who had allegedly been recruited under false pretences.

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the young woman arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on 2 October 2026 and was taken to Gqeberha the following day. She was allegedly promised a job at an online call centre and accommodated at a lodge in Bluewater Bay.

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“Upon arrival, she reportedly discovered that the activities taking place at the premises differed significantly from the employment opportunity she had been promised.”

Mhlakuvana said preliminary information suggested the premises were being used to conduct online scams targeting people in Peru, with those involved reportedly expected to communicate in Spanish.

The young woman subsequently contacted her father in Peru and shared information that helped authorities locate the suspected operation. The information was passed to law enforcement, leading to the intervention.

Hawks Rescue Three Peruvian Women From Bluewater Bay Lodge

The Hawks operation in Gqeberha involved the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, working alongside Home Affairs immigration officials. On Friday, 16 October 2026, at approximately 5pm, officers visited the identified premises and encountered 26 people, including 14 Peruvian women and 12 men. The men reportedly included two South African nationals allegedly working as drivers, two Chinese nationals identified as tenants associated with the online business, and eight Peruvian men.

During the operation, the 18-year-old woman and two other Peruvian women who reportedly arrived on the same date were removed from the premises and taken to a place of safety. Mhlakuvana said the women were expected to receive further assistance and support. Police also seized laptops, desktop computers and cellular telephones for forensic examination and further investigation.

Gqeberha Online Scam Investigation Continues With No Arrests

The Gqeberha online scam investigation is continuing as authorities establish the roles of the people found at the lodge. The remaining 23 individuals were taken to various local police stations while investigators verified their immigration status and possible involvement in the suspected activities. Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made so far.

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“The remaining 23 individuals were taken to various local police stations pending further investigation. Their respective roles, immigration status and possible involvement in the suspected criminal activities remain subject to verification,” Mhlakuvana said.

Eastern Cape Hawks Acting Provincial Head Brigadier Romeo Petrus acknowledged the information provided through the National Human Trafficking Hotline. He also commended the joint law enforcement team for its response and the rescue of the three women. Investigations into the suspected trafficking, recruitment and online criminal activities remain ongoing.