Four people have been arrested on charges of human trafficking, illegal possession of drugs, illegal possession of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) uniform, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

According to an article published by Bloemfontein Courant, the suspects are due to soon appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.

According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli, the suspects were arrested on Tuesday following an intelligence-driven operation led by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit.

“Members reacted to disturbing information about a human trafficking incident unfolding at a house in Bayswater, Bloemfontein.

“A 39-year-old 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 was given food and clothes. Things turned sour when she was allegedly fed drugs and forced to perform acts of a sexual nature and clean the house,” says Mohobeleli.

A joint operation involving the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit and the K9 unit led to raids at two houses, resulting in the arrests.

Authorities seized crystal meth, mandrax, cellphones, a bank card scanner, two firearms with ammunition, and SANDF military attire.

Free State Hawks head, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, urges the public to remain cautious.

“Let us verify opportunities, even when presented by trusted people,” she says.

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