A 37-year-old man is set to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing charges of human trafficking and rape.

The suspect was arrested yesterday by the Hawks’ Economic Crimes and Protected Resources team. Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani says he is accused of forcing a 15-year-old girl into marriage and sexually assaulting her over seven months.

“It is reported that in March 2025, a 15-year-old girl travelled to South Africa on her own. On arrival in Johannesburg, she met the suspect, who then travelled with her to Cape Town.”

Hani says the girl was reportedly lured to Cape Town under the pretence of studying, but was forced into marriage.

“After the marriage, she was expected to engage in sexual intercourse with the suspect. When she refused, she was physically assaulted and raped over seven months.”

She further added that the minor escaped in November last year and initially stayed with family. However, her husband tracked her down three weeks later.

“She then travelled to George to visit her brother-in-law, hitchhiking there, and reported the incident at a nearby police station.”