North West MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety and Liaison, Ms Desbo Mohono commends members of the public for the tip-off that led to the arrest of a 41 year old man for human trafficking after he allegedly brought 16 people, 13 children and 3 adults from Zimbabwe into the country.
The driver who is a South African citizen allegedly dropped the children a few kilometers from the Botswana side of the border on a rainy Wednesday night and reconnected with them on Thursday morning after they had crawled underneath the border fence into South Africa.
He reportedly drove on his own through the Kopfontein border post in the Mazda 4X4 Double Cab bakkie with Cape Town registration number plates that was pulling a trailer.
The man was arrested by five members of the Mahikeng takkie squad with the 13 children cramped at the back of the tinted canopy in the Mahikeng Central Business District at around 10h00.
Three adults who were with the children believed to be parents to two of the children allegedly fled after requesting to buy food from a nearby café.
The 13 children, eight girls and five boys aged between 4 and 16 who are believed to have been destined for Cape Town were transferred to a place of safety around Mahikeng. The Mahikeng organised crime police unit is investigating what they believe is a human trafficking syndicate.
The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Mmabatho Magistrates Court on Monday to answer to charges of human trafficking.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 391 0140
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 381 0328
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
MEC Mohono commends public for tip-off on human trafficking
Province
