The suspects are believed to be part of a human trafficking network in Johannesburg.
- Police in Johannesburg have busted what they believe to be a human trafficking network.
- Police said the syndicate is suspected of luring women from India to South Africa.
- Six men were arrested and two Indian women were rescued.
Police in Johannesburg believe they have uncovered a human trafficking network that lures women from India to South Africa with promises of employment, but the women are then captured and forced into prostitution.
Police said in a statement on Thursday that a multidisciplinary team, including private security personnel led by the anti-kidnapping team, had received information about a human trafficking syndicate “predating on Indian women”.
“These women were allegedly lured into this country with false promises of employment. Once they arrived, they were held against their will and provided with clients, leading to sexual encounters.” Police spokesperson Brigadier General Atrenda Mate said.
On Wednesday, police launched an operation based on the information and raided identified addresses and commercial properties in Mayfair.
Mate said six people were arrested and two Indian women aged between 20 and 24 were rescued.
“The members seized a number of documents, including a range of mobile phones, passports and cash, for further investigation.”
The six people are expected to be charged with human trafficking, sex trafficking, kidnapping and extortion.
They are scheduled to appear in court by Friday.