Alleged human traffickers nabbed in Free State

A 41-year-old club owner and her 23-year-old daughter have been arrested in connection with human trafficking in Welkom, in the Free State.

The suspects were arrested after a tip-off that the suspects were luring victims by advertising job opportunities for ladies between the ages of 18 and 30 in a newspaper.

When the women arrived in Welkom, they were allegedly employed as prostitutes and not allowed to leave the premises. Eight women have now been rescued and taken to a place of safety. Six are from Gauteng and the other two from the Free State.

The two suspects will face charges of intimidation, assault, abduction and trafficking in persons for sexual purposes, among other offences. They will appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday.