The Hawks have arrested yet another suspect in connection with an alleged brothel and human trafficking operation which was uncovered in Plumstead, Cape Town last year.
A multi-disciplinary Intelligence operation comprising of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team together with the National Intervention Unit and Tactical Response Team on Thursday arrested a 35-year-old woman for trafficking in persons.
The suspect made her first court appearance in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on Friday on a charge of trafficking in persons.
This follows a takedown operation in Plumstead in September 2024, conducted by the DPCI in the Western Cape, supported by officials from the Department of Home Affairs. Twelve occupants were found on the premises of which five female persons were identified as sex workers.
During the investigation, a minor female was also screened and found to be a victim of trafficking. The person managing the brothel and two traffickers were identified and warrants of arrest were authorised.
Between 12 and 24 March 2025, a tracing operation was conducted which led to the arrest of a 34-year-old suspect, Rogers Mubiru and 38-year-old Fatuma Bashiba respectively.
All three suspects remain in custody and the matter has been remanded to Tuesday, 17 April for formal bail application.
The Provincial Head of the Western Cape, Major General Mathipa Makgato has applauded the investigation team.
“human trafficking is an evil form of modern slavery, a network that preys on the vulnerability of fellow human beings for self-enrichment”. added Makgato
READ MORE: A suspect in a human trafficking case in Cape Town has been arrested in Durban
