The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Wendy Mashwabane welcomes the arrest of two senior police officers with disappointment in the Vaal area on the morning of 13 May 2021, involving trafficking in persons allegations.
It is alleged that between January and November 2020, the suspects both aged 57, a Brigadier and a Captain allegedly visited an identified illegal brothel in Vereeniging where one of the victims was allegedly reported missing and held hostage for the purpose of sexual exploitation. They allegedly forced themselves on the victim and raped her on numerous occasions and paid money to the brothel owner.
Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Vereeniging followed on intelligence received regarding trafficking in persons’ allegations.
Further investigation revealed that after the victim escaped from the brothel, she reported the matter at the police station and was allegedly forced by one of the suspects to open a staged rape case against a family member in order to divert the investigation focus.
A multi-disciplinary approach driven operation was conducted in Vereeniging with the assistance of DPCI Provincial and National Trafficking in Persons’ Team, Tactical Response Team, and Crime Scene Investigation where warrants of arrest were executed against the two police officers.
Brigadier Mashwabane applauded the investigation team on their good efforts in responding to information which culminated in the arrest of the two senior police officers.
“Human trafficking is an evil form of modern day slavery, a network that preys on the vulnerability of fellow human beings for self-enrich. The DPCI is committed to tackling this scourge in collaboration with our partners in government and civil society. Members of the public are urged to report any suspicions of trafficking in persons to crime stop hotline or their nearest DPCI office”, Brigadier Mashwabane.
This is an ongoing investigation into trafficking in persons’ syndicate in the province where a medical Doctor, Magnus Adelani Osinowo (31) and his accomplice, Ikechukwu Ononzawa (32) were also arrested last month and remanded in custody for allegedly conducting illegal abortions on victims and illegally sedating.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court tomorrow facing charges of trafficking in persons and defeating the ends of justice.
