Two suspects appeared at the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on charges of human trafficking after Hawks rescued 39 victims in Belfast, Mpumalanga. The victims include seven women, nine children under the age of five and 23 men over the age of 18.
According to Colonel Katlego Mogale, the police spokesperson, the victims were rescued from a farm in Belfast during a multidisciplinary operation by members of Nelspruit Serious Organised Crime, the Flying Squad, and departments of Labour and Home Affairs.
“It is alleged the modus operandi entailed the victims being brought into South Africa from Mozambique in a taxi. In Lydenburg, the farm owner’s son and one trafficker will meet the taxi driver and pay him. The victims will then be brought on the farm for labour.”
Mogale said the rescued victims were taken to a place of safety in Witbank. A statement was issued by the Mpumalanga SAPS confirming the details. “A total of 39 victims- including seven women, nine children under the age of five, and 23 males all over the age of 18- were rescued from a farm in Belfast during a multidisciplinary operation by members of Nelspruit Serious Organised Crime, the Flying Squad, and departments of Labour and Home Affairs.”
“Two suspects aged 32 were arrested on 24 June 2022. The investigation is continuing, and more arrests are expected,” Mpumalanga SAPS said.
The pair made a brief appearance in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Monday, and the matter was postponed to 27 July for further investigation and for the suspects to get legal representation. Both men will remain in custody, said Mogale.