EASTERN CAPE – During a joint operation by Gqeberha Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Uitenhage Crime Intelligence Gathering (CIG) and Uitenhage police, a mother of newly born twins and two other suspects were arrested on Thursday, 03 June 2021 for allegations of trafficking in persons.
Information was received on Wednesday, 02 June 2021 that there was possible human trafficking activities in planning stages as the mother of the five days old twin girls was reportedly looking for a buyer for her toddlers. The information was followed up and it is said that the mother had already given the babies to the prospective buyer by the time the information was received.
The joint team of law enforcers followed the lead to a house in Uitenhage where the alleged prospective buyer was arrested and the babies rescued. The mother of the twins and one other suspect were also arrested.
The twins were admitted in Uitenhage Provincial hospital for medical attention as they were dehydrated and severely malnourished. They will be taken to a place of safety on discharge.
It is alleged that the prospective buyer was expected to pay R50-00 per day to the mother of the twins in order to satisfy her drug addiction. It is further reported that the alleged buyer was going to apply for children’s grant and give a portion to the mother of the twins on monthly basis.
The trio is remanded in custody and will appear in Uitenhage Magistrate court on Monday, 07 June 2021 as investigations are still in progress.
Source: South African Police Service