RUSTENBURG, December 16 (ANA) – At least 26 women and children were rescued at a suspected brothel in Klerksdorp in the north West on Friday, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said.
“The Hawks received a tip-off alleging that a premises is being used as a brothel run by foreign nationals. On Friday the Hawks launched an early morning raid and managed to rescue the women and children, aged between 14 and 37.
“The females are all South Africans and come from different parts of the country – North West, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Johannesburg, Limpopo and Eastern Cape,” said Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso, Hawks spokesperson in North West.
Rikhotso said 19 men who were found at the premises had been taken in for questioning and further processing.
“There are no arrests made at this stage, however the Hawks are on a manhunt tracing the alleged kingpin behind the brothel. Investigations are also underway to determine if any of the men taken in for questioning are linked to the brothel.”
Other government departments such as the department of social development, home affairs, SA Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have been roped in to assist in the ongoing probe.
The department of social development has been requested to see to the victims and see if they require any psychological support.
The National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza, commended the great work of the investigation team for acting on the information swiftly.
He further warned young women to be careful, especially now during the festive season and towards the start of a new year.
“People get desperate for work that they ignore all the signs of a job that sounds too good to be true. These perpetrators prey on desperate job seekers and lure them under false pretences. We relent on our mandate and I have requested out North West team to dig deep to trace and arrest those responsible for this despicable act,” he said.
– African News Agency (ANA)
