UPDATE: Human trafficking victims moved to safe house

NEWCASTLE – 72 foreign nationals were rescued by members of the Hawks, in the Industrial Precinct, on suspicion of being trafficked from Swaziland and Lesotho to South Africa for labour exploitation.

Also read: MUST READ: 72 victims rescued from human trafficking in Newcastle

Local police confirmed the incident took place on February 2, and a total of 73 victims were in fact rescued, 10 of which were local.

It was reported two victims managed to escape the factory and alerted police officials.

After statements were obtained from the distraught victims, a search warrant was granted which preceded a ‘takedown’ operation.

Communication Liaison and Marketing Officer, Lizzy Arumugam said:

“The factory was raided by members from Organised Crime Unit. They were assisted by police members from the Technical Response team from Ulundi, the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Labour.”

A case docket was opened, but the names of the suspects cannot be released yet.

“Formal charges were laid under the Trafficking in Persons Act. Further charges will be added when the Department of Home affairs is done with its report. The Department of Labour closed the factory down and charges will be added to the investigation.”

All five suspects appeared in court yesterday, and will remain in custody until a formal bail application is lodged.

“The victims are being housed at a place of safety. The Newcastle Crisis Centre supplies all the food to the victims through support from the public,” concluded Mrs Arumugam.

The Body and Soul Salon, in conjunction with the Newcastle Crisis Centre and Ruth Lovelock, are encouraging the community to donate non-perishables to the victims.

“Non-perishables can be dropped off at the salon as well as the Crisis Centre. I am also willing to organise bakkies to fetch the items should transport to the depot areas be a problem,” said Megan Ryan, owner of Body and Soul.