A multidisciplinary police team removed four toddlers from their mothers yesterday (June 17) after the two women were arrested as undocumented migrants during a sting operation to uncover brothels in eMbalenhle and Leandra.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Serious Organised Crime Investigation (Hawks) based in Secunda, in collaboration with the Department of Social Development (DSD), the Department of Home Affairs, and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, conducted a coordinated intelligence-driven operation in the two towns.

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 identified premises.

Two sisters, aged 29 and 33, both Swazi nationals, were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act 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 care,” explained Nkosi.

As the investigation progressed, the alleged 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.

“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 today.

“This is only the beginning of our investigation. We are aware that some of the employees of the alleged brothels may have been recruited for duties different from those they are 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,” said the provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber.