VANRHYNSDORP, SOUTH AFRICA – Hawks law enforcement units rescued a 17-year-old Mozambican trafficking victim and arrested her alleged captor during a raid Thursday at 14:00 local time (12:00 GMT) in Vanrhynsdorp, Western Cape.
The 38-year-old foreign national allegedly held the teenager against her will for two years after trafficking her from Mozambique to South Africa, Hawks spokesperson Lt-Col Siyabulela Vukubi told reporters.
“The team received information about a foreign national who allegedly kept a 17-year-old girl at his residence against her will,” Vukubi said. “Upon entering the premises, they found the victim.”
A multidisciplinary police team conducted the operation at the suspect’s residence in Vanrhynsdorp, located 300 kilometers north of Cape Town. The team included members from various specialized units focusing on organized crime and human-trafficking.
Authorities immediately transported the teenager to undergo medical examination before placing her in protective custody at a secure facility. Social workers specialized in trafficking cases are providing support and counseling services.
The suspect faces charges of human trafficking and immigration law violations. He will appear at the Vredendal magistrate’s court on Monday for his initial hearing. If convicted, trafficking charges carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under South African law.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), South Africa serves as both a destination and transit country for victims trafficked from across Southern Africa. The organization documented over 300 trafficking cases in the region during 2023.
Colonel Andreas Venter, head of anti-trafficking operations in the Western Cape, emphasized the challenges of detecting and preventing cross-border trafficking. “These criminals exploit vulnerable people, often promising jobs or education opportunities,” Venter said. “By the time victims reach South Africa, they’re trapped in exploitative situations.”
The Hawks’ Anti-Human Trafficking Unit has strengthened cooperation with Mozambican authorities to address the growing concern of cross-border trafficking. Last year, joint operations led to the rescue of 25 Mozambican nationals from forced labor and sexual exploitation in South Africa.
Lucia Santos, director of a Mozambican anti-trafficking NGO, praised the rescue but highlighted ongoing challenges. “Many victims remain undiscovered because traffickers keep them isolated and threaten their families back home,” Santos explained. “We need more regional cooperation and community awareness.”
Recent amendments to South Africa’s anti-trafficking laws have expanded police powers to investigate suspected human-trafficking cases and provided enhanced protections for victims, including temporary residence permits and rehabilitation services.
The Department of Social Development maintains a network of safe houses specifically designed to support survivors. These facilities offer medical care, psychological support, and skills training to help victims rebuild their lives.
Authorities urge anyone with information about potential human-trafficking cases to contact the Hawks’ tip line or local police. The public can report suspicious activity anonymously through Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
