A couple from Melkbosstrand are expected to appear in the Atlantis Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges of rape and trafficking in persons.
The couple, aged 38 and 46, were arrested on Thursday by a multi-disciplinary team comprising of Western Cape Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks), SAPS K9 Unit, Melkbosstrand SAPS, the Department of Social Development, and the Department of Health.
The provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi said the trafficked victim managed to get away from her captors.
“During October 2024 the Hawks were alerted about a victim of trafficking who had managed to escape from her traffickers. The investigation revealed that the victim was offered an employment contract to work for the same couple overseas, but not long after her arrival, she was allegedly raped and sexually exploited by her employers.
“Various role players, including other government departments and non-governmental organisations were involved in the investigation of this matter. The suspects' address was subsequently identified in Melkbosstrand. The search was conducted and two suspected traffickers were arrested,” Vukubi said.
The couple had two children.
“The couple's two young children were removed and placed in the care of social workers from the Department of Social Development and will be taken for medical examination. The suspects will make their first appearance in the Atlantis Magistrates Court on Friday, November 1, 2024.” Vukubi said.
In a separate incident, a police Warrant Officer appeared in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape on Thursday on a charge of corruption.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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