Pimps and sex workers were arrested at a brothel in Witbank, Mpumalanga. Photo supplied
A brothel was closed, pimps and sex workers arrested in Witbank.
HAWKS spokeswoman, colonel Katlego Mogale, said the arrest came in response to the nationwide calling by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa in fighting the scourge of gender based violence including trafficking in persons, a crisis that is tearing the society apart.
Mogale said the Hawks together with the other law enforcement agencies identified houses used as brothels in Witbank.
"Disruptive operation was conducted by members of the Hawks Mpumalanga, Local Criminal Record Centre, When Duty Call Head Office, Corporate Communication, Tactical Response Team, Family Child Protection Unit Witbank, SAPS Witbank and Department of Home Affairs in Witbank on the early hours of Thursday," she said.
She said during the search at the identified premises, sex workers were interviewed, and they confirmed that they originate from Zimbabwe and Lesotho as well as all other Provinces.
"More than ten suspects were arrested and taken to the police station where they were charged for contravening the immigration Act and dealing in drugs.
“The suspects between the ages of 29 and 49 appeared before the Witbank Magistrate court on Friday," she said.
Mogale said during the campaign, more information was shared by residents about gender-based violence and trafficking in persons.
"The MMC of Emalahleni Municipality and the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Mpumalanga, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, applauded the work done by the teams in organising and executing the program successfully.
“They made a call for unity in fighting against crime. They concluded by encouraging all victims to report their complaints to the police and undertook to continue with this type of campaigns to create awareness to our communities," she said
HAWKS spokeswoman, colonel Katlego Mogale, said the arrest came in response to the nationwide calling by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa in fighting the scourge of gender based violence including trafficking in persons, a crisis that is tearing the society apart.
Mogale said the Hawks together with the other law enforcement agencies identified houses used as brothels in Witbank.
"Disruptive operation was conducted by members of the Hawks Mpumalanga, Local Criminal Record Centre, When Duty Call Head Office, Corporate Communication, Tactical Response Team, Family Child Protection Unit Witbank, SAPS Witbank and Department of Home Affairs in Witbank on the early hours of Thursday," she said.
She said during the search at the identified premises, sex workers were interviewed, and they confirmed that they originate from Zimbabwe and Lesotho as well as all other Provinces.
"More than ten suspects were arrested and taken to the police station where they were charged for contravening the immigration Act and dealing in drugs.
“The suspects between the ages of 29 and 49 appeared before the Witbank Magistrate court on Friday," she said.
Mogale said during the campaign, more information was shared by residents about gender-based violence and trafficking in persons.
"The MMC of Emalahleni Municipality and the Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Mpumalanga, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, applauded the work done by the teams in organising and executing the program successfully.
“They made a call for unity in fighting against crime. They concluded by encouraging all victims to report their complaints to the police and undertook to continue with this type of campaigns to create awareness to our communities," she said
