A nondescript house along Beyers Naudé Drive in Roosevelt Park, Johannesburg, was a hive of activity yesterday as the police and Hawks investigated a suspected human trafficking ring.
Linden police were at the scene, with the Hawks reportedly taking over the case due to its seriousness.
Authorities ordered media, private security, and onlookers to leave.
Police were investigating an alleged ‘brothel’ when the women, apparently from overseas, were discovered.
It is alleged they slept in an outside room in cramped conditions, while rooms in the house, where men used their services, were large, neat, and tidy.
Travel documents for the woman were found at the scene.
A source known to the Northcliff Melville Times said: “Based on what I have seen here today, I believe this is one part of a much bigger operation. It is the tip of the iceberg I hope we will crack.”
Forensic criminologist and human trafficker hunter Laurie Pieters-James says: “This is a common setup where women are kept on a property and used as sex slaves.”
She adds that these operations are discreet and can be located absolutely anywhere.
“Most people have no idea what their neighbours get up to.”
Warning signs of human trafficking
According to the SAPS, since trafficking in persons is often a crime that is hidden in plain sight, it is important to be aware of the warning signs. Some indications that a person may be a victim of trafficking include:
- Appearing malnourished
- Showing signs of physical injuries and abuse
- Avoiding eye contact, social interaction, and authority figures/law enforcement
- Seeming to adhere to scripted or rehearsed responses in social interaction
- Seeming to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, with a person appearing to control where they go and who answers for them, and not allowing them to speak for themselves
- Lacking official identification documents
- Appearing destitute/lacking personal possessions
- Security measures that appear to keep people inside an establishment – barbed wire inside of a fence, bars covering the insides of windows
- Not allowing people to go into public alone.
