Two more suspects have been arrested and linked to a trafficking in persons ring in South Africa. The suspects, aged 25 and 35, were apprehended by members of the Hawks' Economic Protected Resources team on Tuesday. They are set to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, joining Jasmine Maureen Robert, 29, who was arrested earlier this month and is expected back in court on October 5 for a Legal Aid application.
According to Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, the Western Cape spokesperson for the Hawks, Robert's arrest led to the rescue of a 22-year-old trafficking victim. The victim had met Robert via TikTok in April 2026, when Robert was looking for a hair stylist in Cape Town. Robert made arrangements and paid for the victim's travel documents, passport, and flight tickets from her original destination to Cape Town.
Upon her arrival in Cape Town, the victim was picked up by Robert and taken to a hotel. However, things took a dark turn when Robert took the victim's passport and cell phone. The suspect attempted to force the victim into prostitution, but she refused and managed to escape, running to the Woodstock SAPS for assistance. The victim pointed Robert out, and she was immediately arrested and detained by a SAPS member.
The matter was then referred to the Hawks for further investigation, which led to the arrest of the two new suspects. The Hawks' Economic Protected Resources team is working to dismantle the trafficking ring, and the arrest of these suspects is a significant breakthrough. The team is continuing to investigate and gather evidence to bring all those involved to justice.
The victim's ordeal highlights the dangers of human trafficking and the importance of reporting suspicious activity. The Hawks and SAPS are working together to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals. The public is urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The two new suspects will join Robert in court soon. The case is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available. The Hawks and SAPS are working tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for human trafficking are brought to justice and that victims receive the support they need.
The arrest of these suspects demonstrates the commitment of the Hawks and SAPS to fighting human trafficking in South Africa. The public is assured that everything is being done to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that victims are protected and supported.
Key points
- Two suspects, aged 25 and 35, linked to a trafficking in persons ring, are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.
- The suspects were arrested by members of the Hawks' Economic Protected Resources team on charges of trafficking in persons.
- The arrest of the suspects follows the arrest of Jasmine Maureen Robert, 29, earlier this month, and is linked to the rescue of a 22-year-old trafficking victim.
