Hawks arrest foreign national in Milnerton human trafficking bust
Hawks arrest a foreign national in Milnerton for human trafficking, rescuing three potential victims during the operation.
Image: File
A multi-disciplinary operation in Brooklyn, Milnerton, led to the arrest of a 38-year-old foreign national and the rescue of three possible trafficking victims.
The suspect, who was found to be in the country illegally, was arrested by the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) EPR team, Law Enforcement SSIMS Unit, Metro Police, Metro Police K9 Unit, and Home Affairs for alleged trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation and contravention of the Immigration Act.
Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani said the arrest follows an intensive investigation: "On May 25, 2026, an operation in Milnerton, Western Cape, led to the arrest of a 38-year-old foreign national and the rescue of three possible victims between the ages of 21-26.
"A multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Hawks Economic Protected Resources team (EPR), Law Enforcement SSIMS Unit, Metro Police, Metro Police K9 Unit, as well as the Department of Home Affairs swooped on a house in Brooklyn, Milnerton.
“The arrest emanates from a follow-up investigation that discovered a possible trafficker who trafficked young women for sexual exploitation. The possible trafficker was immediately arrested, and through further investigation, it was established that he is illegally in the country. He was arrested for trafficking in persons as well as for contravention of the Immigration Act.
"The suspect will make his first appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on May 27, 2026.”