Affidavits outline alleged trafficking, sexual exploitation in Durban case

Court affidavits presented in the Durban Regional Court have detailed allegations of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, kidnapping and attempts to obstruct justice involving a Durban businessman and his co-accused, Selvan Rungasamy Naidoo. The pair were granted bail under strict conditions while investigators continue to pursue the case.

Who is before the court and bail outcome

The businessman, who cannot be identified because he faces sexual assault charges, was granted R50,000 bail. Naidoo was released on R100,000 bail. Both men have been ordered not to contact witnesses or any other suspects linked to the matter.

Charges laid

The State has brought a range of charges. The businessman faces allegations including trafficking in persons, sexual assault, kidnapping, procurement, cyber fraud, crimen injuria, conspiracy and offences under the Films and Publications Act. Naidoo faces similar charges, excluding kidnapping, attempted conspiracy and sexual assault.

Alleged recruitment and exploitation

Detective Warrant Officer Karl Sanders of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) told the court the case centres on an alleged operation in which vulnerable young women were recruited from Eldorado Park in Gauteng during February and March 2022 through false promises of legitimate employment at a company known as ICLICK.

According to Sanders, the women were told they would travel to Durban to sell SIM cards or work in a call centre. Instead, they were allegedly taken to a house in Durban North where they were informed of the true nature of the work.

The affidavits set out that the complainants were allegedly expected to:

• Conduct webcam sexual performances
• Pose naked online
• Provide online escort services
• Engage in sexual acts with paying clients

The State says online profiles were created for the women, overseas clients would communicate with them via internet platforms and a percentage of their earnings would allegedly be retained by those running the operation.

Allegations of intimidation and confinement

Sanders told the court the complainants were allegedly threatened, isolated and prevented from leaving the property. Allegations include being told they would never see their families again, being forbidden from contacting friends, being warned the property belonged to a police officer, and being locked inside a bedroom from the outside while being constantly monitored.

Alleged assaults and digital links

The investigating officer alleged the businessman interviewed the women individually after they arrived at the Durban North property and that during two of those meetings he sexually assaulted two complainants. Police further allege he was regarded as

“the boss”

and that the women were instructed to wear revealing clothing whenever he visited the premises.

The State told the court that digital forensic investigations allegedly uncovered repeated access to websites commonly used for online adult content, while cellphone evidence allegedly demonstrated communication between the suspects. Police say they were forced to break down a door to rescue the complainants after the victims managed to alert relatives and friends.

Defence response and disputed claims

In an affidavit, the businessman denied posing any threat to the public and rejected allegations that he participated in a trafficking enterprise. He said he voluntarily handed his cellphone to investigators, cooperated fully with police and described the charges against him as limited to allegations he touched two complainants’ breasts and buttocks.

He told the court the ICLICK call centre project was established after he could not operate a business because of sequestration, that Naidoo was introduced to him as experienced in the call centre industry, and that he allowed Naidoo to use a family-owned property temporarily. He said he was unaware of criminal activity and was shocked to find female employees in various stages of undress when he visited the property.

Investigation status and next steps

Despite the State’s opposition, bail was granted with conditions including surrendering passports and regular reporting to police. The matter has been postponed to 22 October 2026 while investigators continue pursuing the case. The State has indicated that four more arrests are expected.