4 women freed in Tshwane human trafficking and online pornography bust, 2 arrested
Four women were rescued from the clutches of alleged human traffickers in the north of Pretoria this week.
Pretoria Rekord reports that police conducted an operation on Monday after receiving a tip-off about a woman suspected of trafficking young women and coercing them into pornography, says Superintendent Isaac Mahamba, spokesperson for the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD).
The operation, by the TMPD's Tactical Response Team in collaboration with SAPS, led to the arrest of two suspects for alleged human trafficking and online sexual exploitation.
Mahamba says police successfully traced the suspect to a property in Gezina.
The suspect then led the officers to another residence where the four victims were allegedly found producing online sexual content against their will.
'The suspect led the officers to a residence in Pretoria North where they discovered four female victims, aged between 18 and 38, actively engaged in online sexual performances using large screens and recording equipment.'
Mahamba says the victims were three South African citizens and a Malawian national.
'During interviews, the women revealed that their IDs were being withheld by the female suspect, who claimed to be their employer.'
The woman was immediately arrested, Mahamba says.
Further investigation led officers to a separate address, where the suspect's husband, a Nigerian national, was arrested.
'Both suspects were formally charged with human trafficking and the forced production of online pornography, and they are detained at a local SAPS station.
'As the investigation progresses, additional charges may follow.'
He says the TMPD remains committed to combating human trafficking and all forms of exploitation.
'The chief of police, Commissioner Yolanda Faro, commends all the members for their swift response and hard work,' he adds.
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