Durban trafficking case takes new turn as second suspect surrenders

Hawks

Johannesburg – A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the alleged trafficking and sexual exploitation of four young women from Eldorado Park, Johannesburg.

The 48-year-old man handed himself over at Durban North Police Station on Thursday, 13 August, and is expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday facing charges of trafficking in persons, sexual assault and kidnapping.

“The case stems from a 2022 rescue of four young women from Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, who were lured with a fake SIM-card job opportunity and were later forced into sexual exploitation at a Durban North property,” police said in a statement.

The first suspect, a 65-year-old Durban businessman, was arrested on 11 August on a J50 warrant and faces 20 charges, including trafficking, kidnapping and sexual assault. He is expected to apply for bail on 25 August.

“He appeared briefly in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on 12 August 2026, and the case was postponed to 25 August 2026 for a formal bail application. The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team’s probe continues and more suspects linked to the incident will be arrested,” said the police. 

The businessman cannot currently be named due to a court order as he has yet to plead to a sexual assault charge.

Picture: Facebook/SAPS

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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