Ivory Park woman arrested for child trafficking and child labour
The two girls, aged 13 and 14, were trafficked from Zimbabwe two years ago to work for the suspect.
A 34-year-old woman was arrested by a police officer from Ivory Park on charges of child trafficking and child labour.
Ivory Park SAPS spokesperson Capt Bernard Matimulane said the March 11 arrest took place after police received information about two Zimbabwean girls, aged 13 and 14, who were brought to the country two years ago to work for the woman's business.
It is believed the suspect and the children's Zimbabwe-based parents set up an agreement.
“The children were allegedly brought into the country illegally, are not in school and mostly work at the suspect's business. In addition, the two girls are allegedly expected to earn R1 000 or more each day from the suspect's business. Failure to meet the daily target reportedly resulted in the assault of the two girls,” said Matimulane.
Brig David Mbongeni Ngcobo, station commander of the Ivory Park SAPS, said he was saddened by the situation and thanked Capt Nozipo Makhoba, Ivory Park SAPS social crime prevention head, for going above and beyond in apprehending the suspect and arranging suitable accommodation for the girls.
“We advise members of the public to keep a watch out for people in similar situations and to contact us if they have any suspicions. We have processes and standards in place as police officers to determine whether someone is a victim of human trafficking,” said Ngcobo.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Thembisa Magistrate’s Court soon.
