Milnerton suspect charged with human trafficking after immigration arrest

A 23-year-old man already in custody on an immigration-related offence is now facing an additional charge of trafficking in persons, following a Hawks operation in Milnerton that led to the identification of a victim.

The suspect was formally arrested on Friday, December 27, 2025 on the trafficking charge, four days after his initial arrest for contravening immigration laws. Authorities have emphasised that the offences are separate under the law and will be dealt with independently through the criminal justice process.

According to a media statement on Sunday by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the case stems from a search-and-seizure operation conducted on Monday, December 23, by members of the Hawks’ Economic Protected Resources (EPR) unit.

The operation targeted a house in Milnerton as part of efforts to identify possible victims of trafficking in persons.

During the search, one victim was identified at the property. Investigators then identified an alleged trafficker, who was immediately interviewed on site.

The Hawks said the interview revealed that the suspect was illegally in South Africa. He was arrested on the spot under the Immigration Act and placed in custody.

As the investigation progressed, the identified victim confirmed that the man arrested for the immigration violation was allegedly responsible for the trafficking offence. This confirmation led to the suspect’s arrest on the additional charge of trafficking in persons.

Police said the suspect will face the full justice process for both offences.

He is expected to make his first appearance in court on Monday, December 29, to answer to the trafficking in persons charge.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus