Two Zimbabwean nationals were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking after being discovered on a bus with 14 undocumented children.
Also read: Cape Town woman human trafficked by two men, taken to a house in Milnerton
This is the second case of child human trafficking in the last few days.
Over the weekend, Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Mike Masiapato stated that 443 children under the age of eight were allegedly trafficked from Zimbabwe into South Africa.
The two suspects, a 46-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman, are accused of boarding a bus in Midrand with 14 undocumented children on Tuesday night.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city at half the price? Let these great offers inspire you and fuel your imagination! Get them here.
Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe, a Provincial Hawks spokesperson, said there were eight boys and six girls aged six to fourteen.
‘Police were alerted to the incident by a vigilant passenger in a bus from Midrand in Johannesburg en route to Cape Town.’
‘The bus made a stopover in Kimberley, the passenger called an off-duty police officer, who in turn alerted the multi-disciplinary team.’
‘The suspects claimed to be taking the kids to their parents in Cape Town, information the police could not verify, leading to the arrest.’
Thebe said the victims were inspected and looked dirty, without any additional clothes or bags, and looked hungry.
‘Provincial Trafficking in Persons rapid response team lead by Department of Social Development was contacted to assist with placing the kids at a place of safety and providing food.’
Major General Steven Mabuela, Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Northern Cape, praised the vigilant caller’s information and the efforts of the off-duty police officer, Sergeant Phumla Mpolokeng, which resulted in the police’s timely intervention.
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under R100 000. Find car listings here.
Also read:
Beitbridge sting rescues 443 children from alleged trafficking
Picture: Jeffrey Riley / Unsplash
