Durban – A 65-year-old Durban businessman appeared in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday facing multiple charges, including human trafficking, sexual assault and kidnapping, following an intelligence-driven operation by the Hawks.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the suspect was arrested after four young women from Eldorado Park in Johannesburg were rescued from a secluded property in Durban North.
The women were allegedly recruited in February 2022 for employment in Durban, where they were promised work selling SIM cards to customers at a private casino, as well as transport and accommodation.
According to police, the women were transported to Durban North on 2 March 2022. However, they were allegedly told upon arrival that the terms of their employment had changed.
“Upon arrival at a house in Durban North, the victims were informed that the conditions of employment had changed and that they would no longer be selling SIM cards but would be subjected to physical sexual exploitation and online platform,” SAPS said.
Police alleged that the businessman, described as the “boss or ringleader”, later visited the property to interview the women.
“One of the victims was sexually assaulted by the boss,” SAPS said.
One of the women subsequently managed to send a WhatsApp message to her boyfriend, who reported the matter to police.
“The police swiftly followed up on the information and rescued the victims,” SAPS said.
The case was subsequently investigated by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in Durban.
SAPS said a warrant of arrest was executed on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, leading to the businessman’s arrest.
The suspect is expected to return to the Durban Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 21 August, for a bail application.
Police said investigations into five other suspects allegedly linked to the case were continuing.
The accused has not yet been convicted, and the charges against him remain allegations until proven in court.
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Picture: Facebook/SAPS
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
