Bellville: The Hawks based in Bellville and in George collaborated with the Department of Home Affairs Immigration and A21, a Non-Governmental Organisation, resulting in the arrest of two suspects aged 31 and 34 for trafficking in persons on 30 May 2025. This operation followed the execution of a search warrant after information was received regarding a potential trafficking victim being held against her will in a guest house in Goodwood, where she was allegedly forced to work as a sex worker.
According to South African Police Service, during the search, four females were discovered in the guest house, admitting to being sex workers. Additionally, five other adults and three small children were found on the premises. Two individuals were identified as managers of the guest house.
Investigations revealed that one of the sex workers was indeed a victim of trafficking. The managers of the guest house were immediately taken into custody.
The trafficking victim received medical attention and was subsequently referred to a place of safety. The arrested suspects are scheduled to appear in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court on 02 June 2025.