A man, who allegedly raped, trafficked and threatened to post naked photos of his teenage victim on Facebook, will return to court next week. According to the Western Cape Hawks, Mark John Ross appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on 18 June 2026. He faces charges of trafficking in persons, rape and contravention of the Cybercrimes Act. He will apply for bail on 25 June 2026.

A man, who allegedly raped, trafficked and threatened to post naked photos of his victim on Facebook to return to court

According to the Hawks, the 59-year-old was arrested during a tracing operation on 17 June 2026. He was taken into custody at his residence. Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani says a search was conducted to seize the firearm suspected to have been used in the commission of the offence, as well as other various exhibits.

Man briefly appeared in court

It’s alleged that the teenager was convinced by a friend (recruiter) whom she had met on Facebook to accompany her to a lodge in Milnerton. After arriving at the establishment, the recruiter handed her over to a male person, who took her into one of the rooms. The 19-year-old alleges that the suspect had threatened her with a firearm and forced himself on her. The teen had met the friend (recruiter) between 15 October 2025 and November 2025.

Charges of trafficking in persons, rape and contravention of the Cybercrimes Act

The Hawks say it’s further alleged that the man had taken photos of the youngster naked and he had allegedly raper her. He apparently also told the victim that whenever he instructs her to come, she must find her way to the lodge, or he will post the naked photos on social media. The probe so far revealed that the victim had on two occasions conceded to meet up with the suspect, where she was raped repeatedly. However, on the third occasion, she refused to meet the suspect.

The victim’s brother contacted his sister

Hani added that the suspect threatened to post her naked photos to Facebook if she refused to come to the lodge. The victim’s brother later alerted her that he saw her naked photos on Facebook. Her sibling wanted to know from his sister what had led to this situation. This led to a case of trafficking in persons and rape, which was opened in November 2025.

More arrests are imminent

The Hawks say that, during the investigation, one of the suspects was identified by the complainant. This led to a warrant of arrest being issued. At the same time, the Court also issued a search and seizure warrant. Hani says the case was postponed to next week. The accused, who will remain behind bars until then, will next week apply for bail. Hani says the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are imminent.