A well-known 50-year-old Welkom businessman was expected to appear before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court this morning after he was arrested by the Hawks’ Organised Crime and Welkom local police yesterday (Tuesday), 16 January 2018 for allegation human trafficking.
The businessman, accompanied by his attorney, handed himself over to the Hawks’ office in Welkom after members had rescued ten (10) victims at his farm, Khune Village, and at the lodge allegedly operating as brothel in Welkom. The discovery came after following up information received from Interpol about a victim at a farm at Odendaalsrus. On their arrival at the given address, five victims were found and rescued. Other five victims were rescued at Khune Village and at the lodge.
Six suspects, Moalosi Boyaphi (68), John Mothebe (57), Mpele Agnencia (40), Tgakholi Celesting, Abram Sekoleli (53) and Dineo Mofana (27), were arrested during the raid and they have since appeared before the Welkom and Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 12 January 2018 and the case was postponed to 19 and 22 January 2018 for formal bail application.
Another suspect, Lebona Phumela (27), was arrested on Monday,15 January 2018 after being pointed out by the victims. She appeared before the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Tuesday) facing a charge of human trafficking and the case was postponed to 19 and 22 January 2018.
A 28-year-old victim, originally from Lesotho, was rescued from the farm yesterday and she has been kept in a place of safety.
Investigations continue, further arrests cannot be ruled out.
Statement issued by the Hawks Free State
