Two more suspects linked to trafficking ring, expected in court - IOL

The suspects are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Wednesday.

Two more suspects are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, after they were linked to a trafficking in persons ring. 

The suspects, aged 25 and 35, were arrested on Tuesday by members of the Hawks’ Economic Protected Resources team on charges of trafficking in persons. 

The arrest of the duo follows the arrest of Jasmine Maureen Robert, 29, earlier this month. 

Robert is expected back in court on October 5 for a Legal Aid application. 

The suspects are expected to join each other in the dock soon. 

Robert was arrested on September 13. 

The Western Cape spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, said the arrest of Robert led to the rescue of a 22-year-old trafficking victim. 

“It is reported that during April 2026, the victim met the suspect via TikTok, who was looking for a hair stylist in Cape Town. She agreed, and the suspect made arrangements and paid for all her travel documents, passport, and flight tickets from her original destination to Cape Town,” Hani said. 

Upon her arrival in Cape Town, the victim was picked up by Robert, and she was taken to a hotel. Through investigation, it was revealed that Robert took the victim's passport as well as her cell phone. 

“Further, it is reported that the suspect attempted to force the victim into prostitution but she refused. However, the victim managed to escape and ran to Woodstock SAPS where she was assisted.  The suspect also came to Woodstock SAPS to make enquiries regarding the whereabouts of the victim,” Hani said. 

The victim pointed Robert out, and she was immediately arrested and detained by a SAPS member. 

The matter was then referred to the Hawks for further probing.