A multi-disciplinary intelligence driven operation has led to the rescue of a minor girl who was human trafficked to Plumstead where 12 sex workers were found.
The shocking incident was revealed by the the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
According to Hawks spokesperson, Siyabulela Vukubi, the breakthrough was made when they managed to arrest a 34-year-old man for human trafficking on March 12 following a September 2024 investigation.
The rescue team consisted of the Hawks based in Bellville and in George, together with the Cape Town National Intervention Unit and Tactical Response.
“During September 2024, the DPCI in the Western Cape, supported by officials from the Department of Home Affairs, visited a suspected address in Plumstead, Cape Town," Vukubi said.
“Twelve occupants were found on the premises of which five female persons were identified as sex workers.
“The person found to be managing the brothel was identified.
“During the investigation, a minor female was screened and found to be a victim of trafficking.
"She was handed over to the social workers from the Department of Social Development for emergency placement.”
He said that furthermore, two traffickers were identified whereby warrants of arrest were authorised.
“On March 12, 2025, a tracing operation was conducted and one of the traffickers was arrested.
"More arrests are imminent,” he added.
“The suspect will make his first appearance in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on March 14, 2025.”
According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's 2022 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons which is compiled using official figures from over 141 countries, female victims continue to be the primary targets.
The Report shows that in 2020, 42 percent of detected victims were women and 18 percent girls.
Cape Argus