Cape Town – Mpumalanga Hawks have arrested two suspects for human trafficking following an operation that led to the rescue of 39 Mozambican nationals at a farm in Belfast on Friday.
According to a police statement, the victims, including seven women, nine children under the age of five, and 23 males have since been placed at a place of safety in Witbank.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said two suspects aged 32 were arrested during an operation by members of Nelspruit Serious Organised Crime, Flying Squard, Department of Labour and Home Affairs.
#sapsHAWKS Mpumalanga: 2 #HumanTrafficking Suspects aged 32 were arrested on 24/06 and 39 victims including 7 women, 9 children and 23 males were rescued from a farm in Belfast during a multi-disciplinary op. The rescued victims are at a place of safety MEhttps://t.co/uzqqUqNVbp pic.twitter.com/6zTcchjQKw
— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) June 27, 2022
“Through further information gathered at the scene, it was established that the modus operandi entails the victims being brought into South Africa in a taxi from Mozambique until Lydenburg where allegedly the son of the farm owner and one trafficker will meet the taxi driver then pay. The victims will then be brought on the farm for labour,” said Colonel Morale
He said the suspects will appear at the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Monday 27 June and more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
