South African Police Rescue Two Women Held in Pretoria

Two women who are believed to have been kept against their will in Arcadia, Pretoria, have been rescued thanks to an Intelligence-driven operation comprising a team of experts from various units within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“The women aged 19 and 21 years were allegedly forced into prostitution for several months.

“The latest discovery brings the total number of women rescued from abduction and human trafficking circles in the same area to nine in recent weeks,” SAPS said in a statement on Friday.

The team comprised detectives from the organised crime unit: narcotics section, members of the Public Order Police (POPS) and Visible Policing. They were following up on information gathered on drug and human trafficking in the area.

During the search and seizure operation at an identified address, the team discovered the two women who allege they had been kept against their will and lured into a life of prostitution and drugs.

“Two men who were previously arrested by the SAPS and were out on bail were immediately apprehended and the women taken to a place of safety. Last week, a third man believed to be working with the pair was also arrested in Kempton Park,” SAPS said.

Three cellphones belonging to the suspects have been taken in for further processing.

“Two of three suspects will appear before the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Monday, 25th November 2019.

“The third suspect has already appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates Court, he will appear again on Monday, 9th of December 2019 for formal bail application.”

The Head of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in the Service, Major General Bafana Linda, has applauded the team for prioritising the safety of women, children and vulnerable groups.

“With the launch of the 16 days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children upon us, we have intensified our efforts in hunting down perpetrators of Gender-Based-Violence.

The SAPS has called on all South Africans to end the Violence Against Women, Children and Vulnerable groups by downloading the MySAPS App or by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za