The sinister shadow of human trafficking has cast a dark cloud over Newcastle, as 70 victims were recently rescued within the town’s borders.
The shocking revelation came to light when local law enforcement officials discovered a trafficking ring operating in town.
Amajuba District SAPS Commissioner General Fred Alexander shed light on the harrowing situation. He explained that unsuspecting victims had been transported to Newcastle in three vehicles, lured by the false promise of employment. Little did they know that their lives were about to take a traumatic and distressing turn.
“They came from the Durban area and were promised employment and then brought to Newcastle, where they were made to sell policies at various street corners. Each day they had to recruit seven customers, and if they failed, as a form of punishment, they were forced to strip naked,” revealed General Alexander.
The alarm was raised when one victim’s mother grew suspicious after not hearing from her daughter for several days. The young woman had informed her mother that she was heading to work in Madadeni. Concerned and unable to contact her daughter, the mother filed a case at the Bhekithemba SAPS.
This prompted an investigation by Madadeni SAPS and Newcastle SAPS. During the last week of August 2023, the Newcastle police managed to locate 34 of the victims.
“The Newcastle SAPS then involved the Hawks, who managed to find the remaining 36 people,” told General Alexander.
Newcastle SAPS spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam revealed that all the human trafficking victims were found in Kwamathukuza, just outside Madadeni, within Newcastle’s boundaries.
The victims, comprising both men and women, were subsequently taken to the Newcastle police station for assistance and subsequently placed in a safe environment. Authorities have apprehended one suspect, who is currently in police custody. Ongoing investigations are underway to identify and locate other individuals involved in the trafficking ring.
As the police intensify their efforts to uncover additional suspects in the case, General Alexander refrained from disclosing the identity of the alleged business involved in the criminal operation. Nevertheless, he emphasised, “Human trafficking is a very serious offence, and if anyone engages in it, we will apprehend them and bring them to justice.”
This is a developing story, so be sure to look out for an update in the near future.
Newcastillian News applauds the SAPS and Hawks for bringing an end to this heinous act against humanity—keep up the great work.
Newcastillians are urged to share your thoughts and opinions on this distressing matter in the comment section below.
2 Responses
It is with grave concern that this (human trafficking) is happening under our noses. Congratulations, applause and support to Amajuba District SAPS Commissioner General Fred Alexander, his team and the Hawks for their efforts. Much appreciated from us all as members of New City Newcastle for this remarkable finding and arrests and pending arrests.
I am seeing school kids canvassing potential customers to open bank accounts with Capitec in Newcastle central these days.Did Capitec ask them to do that for them?