A multidisciplinary police team removed four children from their mothers yesterday (June 17) after the women, allegedly undocumented migrants, were arrested during a sting operation targeting brothels in the eMbalenhle and Leandra informal settlements in Mpumalanga, reports Ridge Times.

The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Secunda, working with the Department of Social Development, Home Affairs, and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, carried out a co-ordinated intelligence-driven operation in these two settlements.

Spokesperson for the Hawks in Mpumalanga Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said the operation followed information received about the alleged operation of brothels in both areas.

Acting on the intelligence, the multidisciplinary team obtained and executed search warrants at the identified premises.

Two sisters, aged 29 and 33, both Swazi nationals, were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act of 2022 after they were found to be in the country without valid documentation.

“Further investigations led the team to another address in eMbalenhle where the arrested suspects’ four minor children, aged between two and four years, were residing under unsuitable conditions. Following an assessment by social workers, the children were removed and placed in safe custody,” explained Nkosi.

Probe expands as more sites searched

As the investigation progressed, the assumed employer of the sisters was identified and traced.

“However, he could not be located at the time of the operation. At his parents’ residence, various electronic devices were seized for further investigation. Investigators also seized company registers from one of the operational premises allegedly managed by a 29-year-old South African woman and suspected to be used for commercial sexual activities,” Nkosi said.

The investigation further led the team to Leandra, where two additional addresses were searched.

At one of the premises, a 40-year-old South African woman was issued with a R1 500 fine for contravening the Liquor Act of 2003.

“Liquor was allegedly being sold without a valid licence. The woman also indicated that she was employed to manage activities at the premises,” said Nkosi.

All those arrested were expected to appear before the Evander Magistrate’s Court earlier today (June 18).

Investigations at early stage

Provincial head of the Hawks Major General Nico Gerber said the investigation was only at its early stages, adding that some employees of the alleged brothels may have been recruited for duties different from those they were currently performing.

“The items seized during the operation will assist investigators in uncovering the full extent of the operation and identifying all those involved in the exploitation of vulnerable persons. We further commend all multidisciplinary stakeholders whose collaboration contributed to the success of this operation,” Gerber said.  

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