| 2025/02/27 |
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Media Statement FREE STATE – Four suspects aged between 20 and 40 will soon make their first appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court following their arrest on 25 February 2025. They will face charges of trafficking in persons, illegal possession of drugs, illegal possession of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) uniform, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Members of Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) reacted to disturbing information about a trafficking in persons incident unfolding at a house in Bayswater – Bloemfontein. A 39-year-old Bloemfontein woman had allegedly been lured by a female suspect with promises of a better life. Once at the house, the recruiter was paid and the victim bought new supplies of food and clothes. Things turned sour when she was fed drugs and forced to perform acts of a sexual nature and clean the house. On 25 February 2025, a joint police operation was conducted by SOCI and K9 Unit wherein two houses were raided. Four suspects were arrested and items including drugs (crystal meth and mandrax), military uniform, cellphones, a bank card scanner and two firearms as well as ammunition were recovered. Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Major General Mokgadi Bokaba would like to urge communities to be vigilant and report human trafficking. “Let us verify opportunities even if they are presented by trusted people,” she warned. Ends
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