Tebogo Msimanga |
Two senior police officers were arrested on Thursday morning in the Vaal area for allegedly being involved in trafficking people. It is alleged that between January and November 2020, the suspects both aged 57, a Brigadier and a Captain, allegedly visited an identified illegal brothel in Vereeniging where one of the victims was allegedly reported missing and held hostage for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu said they allegedly forced themselves on the victim and raped her on numerous occasions and paid money to the brothel owner.
“Further investigation revealed that after the victim escaped from the brothel, she reported the matter at the police station and was allegedly forced by one of the suspects to open a staged rape case against a family member in order to divert the investigation focus.”explained Mulamu.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Wendy Mashwabane applauded the investigation team on their good efforts in responding to information which culminated in the arrest of the two senior police officers.
“Human trafficking is an evil form of modern day slavery, a network that preys on the vulnerability of fellow human beings for self-enrich.”
The suspects are expected to appear in the Vereeniging Magistrates Court on Friday, 14 May 2021, facing charges of trafficking in persons and defeating the ends of justice.
