An Ethiopian national accused of trafficking in persons will return to Bellville Magistrate’s Court on 10 February for a formal bail application in a case that has drawn concern from child protection groups, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The accused, 37-year-old Worku Lafebo Hayedmo, faces charges of trafficking and rape after the Western Cape Hawks say a 15-year-old girl travelled to South Africa in March 2025 under the promise of study and was then forced into a marriage on arrival in Cape Town (iOS).
Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani of the Hawks said the girl was moved to a place of safety after reporting the abuse. ‘The girl was apparently deceived under the pretence that she was relocating to South Africa in order to study,’ Hani said.
The Daily Voice reports that according to police statements, the minor escaped in November 2025, reported the matter at a George police station and was referred to the Hawks, whose investigation led to Hayedmo’s arrest on 22 January 2026.
He made a first appearance today in Bellville and remains in custody pending the 10 February hearing. Cape Town child welfare services declined to comment on the specifics of the case to protect the victim’s identity.
The Hawks asked anyone with information to contact their offices.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Milnerton human trafficking probe leads to rescue and arrest
Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images
