A Durban businessman and his co-accused, Selvan Rungasamy Naidoo, face serious allegations in a Durban human trafficking case involving claims of sexual exploitation, false employment promises, intimidation and attempts to interfere with the investigation. The allegations emerged during their bail application at the Durban Regional Court on Wednesday. Both men were granted bail under strict conditions.
The businessman, who cannot be named because he faces sexual assault charges, was granted bail of R50,000. Naidoo was released on R100,000 bail. Both accused have been ordered not to contact witnesses or other suspects connected to the case.
The State has indicated that its investigation is continuing and that four additional arrests are expected. The case has been postponed to 22 October 2026.
Durban Human Trafficking Case Involves Serious Criminal Charges
The Durban human trafficking case involves a wide range of charges against the businessman, including trafficking in persons, sexual assault, kidnapping, procurement, cyber fraud, crimen injuria, conspiracy and offences under the Films and Publications Act. Naidoo faces similar allegations, although he is not charged with kidnapping, attempted conspiracy or sexual assault. The charges remain allegations and have yet to be tested in a trial.
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Detective Warrant Officer Karl Sanders of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation told the court that the investigation centres on women who were allegedly recruited from Eldorado Park in Gauteng during February and March 2022.
According to Sanders, the women were allegedly recruited through promises of legitimate employment at a company known as ICLICK. They were allegedly told they would work selling SIM cards or in a call centre.
The State alleges that the women were instead taken to a property in Durban North, where they were informed that they would be expected to perform different types of work. Sanders told the court that the alleged activities included webcam performances, appearing naked online, escort services and sexual acts with paying men.
According to the State, online profiles were allegedly created for the women and overseas clients communicated with them through internet platforms. The prosecution further alleges that a percentage of the money generated through the activities was retained by those running the operation.
Women Allegedly Threatened And Prevented From Leaving Property
The Durban trafficking allegations also include claims that the women were intimidated and prevented from leaving the property. Sanders told the court that the complainants were allegedly isolated, monitored and threatened with being unable to see their families again.
The women were allegedly prevented from contacting friends and were reportedly told that the property belonged to a police officer. Sanders further alleged that some of the complainants were locked inside a bedroom from the outside while being monitored.
The investigating officer also alleged that the businessman interviewed the women individually after they arrived at the Durban North property. Sanders told the court that two complainants alleged they were sexually assaulted during separate meetings with the businessman.
Police further allege that the businessman was regarded as “the boss” and that the women were instructed to wear revealing clothing when he visited the property. Sanders said police eventually had to break down a door to rescue the complainants after they managed to alert relatives and friends.
Digital Evidence Allegedly Links Accused To Trafficking Operation
The human trafficking investigation also includes digital evidence that the State says connects the accused to the alleged operation. Sanders told the court that forensic investigators identified repeated access to websites commonly associated with online adult content. Cellphone evidence allegedly also showed communication between the accused.
The State opposed bail for the businessman, with Sanders raising concerns that he could interfere with witnesses or the investigation. The detective referred to his previous criminal convictions, allegations concerning the processing of a firearm competency certificate and claims that he had access to people within law enforcement who could potentially influence investigations or obtain confidential police information.
Sanders also referred to alleged approaches to witnesses. Concerns were raised by Naidoo’s legal representatives about threats allegedly made against his family.
The businessman rejected the State’s allegations in an affidavit. He denied posing a danger to the public and disputed claims that he had participated in a human trafficking operation.
He claimed that he voluntarily handed his cellphone to investigators and cooperated with the police. He also argued that the allegations against him were limited to claims that he touched two complainants’ breasts and buttocks.
The businessman further maintained that he had no reason or ability to interfere with witnesses. He pointed out that the alleged events took place in 2022 and argued that, had he intended to destroy evidence, he would have done so years earlier.
Businessman Denies Knowledge Of Alleged Criminal Activity
The Durban businessman accused in the trafficking case also provided the court with his version of how the ICLICK project came about. He said the call centre project was established after he was unable to operate a business because of previous sequestration.
According to his affidavit, Naidoo was introduced to him as someone with experience in the call centre industry. He said Naidoo was allowed to temporarily use a family-owned property while another premises was being prepared.
The businessman claimed he had no knowledge of any criminal activity taking place at the property. He said he was shocked when he visited and found female employees in various stages of undress.
He further claimed that police searched his home shortly afterwards and that nothing further happened until his eventual arrest. The businessman maintains his innocence while the State continues with its investigation.
Durban Trafficking Case Postponed As Four More Arrests Expected
The Durban human trafficking case has been postponed to 22 October 2026 as investigators continue pursuing outstanding aspects of the matter. The State has indicated that four more arrests are expected. Both accused remain out on bail subject to strict conditions.
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As part of their bail conditions, the men must surrender their passports and report regularly to police. They are also prohibited from contacting witnesses or other suspects linked to the case.
The allegations against both men have not been tested in a criminal trial, and they remain entitled to the presumption of innocence. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence as the prosecution prepares for the next stage of the case.
