Two more suspects linked to trafficking ring to appear in Cape Town court

Two suspects aged 25 and 35 were arrested on Tuesday and are expected to appear at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday after being linked to a trafficking in persons ring, the Hawks said.

Arrests follow earlier detention in same investigation

The arrest of the duo by members of the Hawks’ Economic Protected Resources team follows the earlier arrest of Jasmine Maureen Robert, 29, who was detained on 13 September. Robert is due back in court on 5 October for a Legal Aid application.

“The suspects are expected to join each other in the dock soon,” the report said.

How the earlier arrest led to a rescue

Western Cape spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, said the arrest of Robert resulted in the rescue of a 22-year-old trafficking victim.

“It is reported that during April 2026, the victim met the suspect via TikTok, who was looking for a hair stylist in Cape Town. She agreed, and the suspect made arrangements and paid for all her travel documents, passport, and flight tickets from her original destination to Cape Town,” Hani said.

According to Hani, upon arrival in Cape Town the victim was picked up by Robert and taken to a hotel. Investigation revealed Robert took the victim’s passport and cell phone.

“Further, it is reported that the suspect attempted to force the victim into prostitution but she refused. However, the victim managed to escape and ran to Woodstock SAPS where she was assisted. The suspect also came to Woodstock SAPS to make enquiries regarding the whereabouts of the victim,” Hani said.

The victim identified Robert at Woodstock SAPS, and Robert was arrested and detained by a SAPS member. The matter was referred to the Hawks for further probing, the Hawks spokesperson said.

Next steps in the case

The two suspects arrested on Tuesday face charges of trafficking in persons and are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. Robert remains scheduled to appear on 5 October for her Legal Aid application.