MPUMALANGA – In response to the nationwide calling by the President of the Republic of South Africa in fighting the scourge of gender-based violence including trafficking in persons, a crisis that is tearing our society apart, the Hawks together with the other stakeholders identified houses used as brothels in Witbank. A disruptive operation was conducted by members of the Hawks Mpumalanga, Local Criminal Record Centre, When Duty Call Head Office, Corporate Communication, Tactical Response Team, Family Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit Witbank, SAPS Witbank and Department of Home Affairs in Witbank on the early hours of Thursday, 10 December 2020.
During the search at the identified premises, sex workers were interviewed and they confirmed that they originate from Zimbabwe and Lesotho as well as all other Provinces.
More than ten suspects were arrested and taken to the police station where they were charged for contravening the Immigration Act and dealing in drugs. The suspects between the ages of 29 and 49 will appear before the Witbank Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 11 December 2020.
