Three suspects, aged between 29 and 59, have been arrested for charges of trafficking in persons, rape and attempted murder in Bloemfontein, by a multi-disciplinary team led by the Bloemfontein-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, K-9 Unit, Crime Intelligence, and Police Emergency Services.
According to Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti, one of the suspects is a former Warrant Officer who was attached to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Bloemfontein until 2019 when he retired.
“The 26-year-old victim alleges that, in July of 2022, she saw an advertisement on Facebook for a job as a bartender at a certain gentleman’s club in Ferreira, Bloemfontein. She started talking to the club owner, who made arrangements for the victim to be transported from Ventersburg,” said Matoti.
“A few days later, the club owner and a driver brought her to Bloemfontein. Upon arrival, she was taken to the house of one of the accused persons where she was drugged, sexually assaulted, and repeatedly raped by a group of males.”
Matoti further explained that the victim further alleges that one of the suspects was taking pictures during the ordeal. “She managed to escape through the bathroom window and sought assistance. The case was reported at a nearby police station and later transferred to the Hawks.”
The trio is expected to make their first appearance before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 1 July. A search for the fourth male suspect continues.
Compiled by Justine Fortuin
