A second suspect has been arrested in connection with a human trafficking case involving four women who were rescued from a Durban North property. The 48-year-old handed himself over at the Durban North Police Station on Thursday, 13 August. He is expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The suspect faces charges of trafficking in persons, sexual assault and kidnapping. KwaZulu-Natal Hawks spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase said the case dates back to the 2022 rescue of the four women.
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“The case stems from a 2022 rescue of four young women from Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, who were lured with a fake SIM card job opportunity and were later forced into sexual exploitation at a Durban North property,” Nkwalase said.
Second Suspect Arrested In Durban Human Trafficking Case
The second arrest follows the arrest of a 65-year-old Durban businessman earlier this week. The businessman cannot currently be named due to a court order because he has not yet pleaded to a sexual assault charge. He faces 20 charges, including human trafficking, kidnapping and sexual assault.
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The businessman was arrested on 11 August on a J50 warrant of arrest. Following a brief first appearance in court, the matter was adjourned and he was taken to Westville Prison Hospital.
The 48-year-old suspect is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday. The businessman is expected to apply for bail on 25 August. The case relates to allegations arising from the rescue operation involving the four women in 2022.
