Dozens of foreign women rescued as Pretoria CBD brothel is shut down

Dozens of foreign women rescued as Pretoria CBD brothel is shut down

City authorities and the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) uncovered a suspected brothel in Pretoria’s CBD this week, rescuing dozens of foreign women from hidden rooms at the establishment. Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya confirmed the operation, highlighting the ongoing battle against illegal sex work and human trafficking in the capital.

Hidden behind a sports bar

The operation targeted the Savoy VIP Lounge, a venue operating discreetly behind a seemingly innocuous sports bar. Officials discovered that individual rooms within the building were being rented out to womenpredominantly Nigerian nationalsfor R1,000 a week.

“Some of the women had valid documents, while others did not,” Moya said, noting that the premises were immediately closed following the joint inspection.

The mayor described the discovery as part of the city’s wider efforts to tackle unlawful enterprises operating in plain sight within the CBD.

We’ve found another brothel in the Pretoria CBD. This one operated by Nigerian nationals. We found dozens of women inside rooms at the establishment called Savoy VIP Lounge. They rent the rooms for R1000 a week. This brothel is hidden behind a sports bar. We inspected the… pic.twitter.com/nIcR9hQ2X6

Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) January 17, 2026

Human trafficking concerns

Journalist and survivor advocate Pinky Khoabane applauded the city’s swift action but emphasized that brothels are not just illegal workplacesthey can also be centres of exploitation and trafficking.

“Many women are lured here under false pretences, thinking they are coming for legitimate work,” Khoabane said. “Operators often control them through confiscating documents, restricting movement, and creating debt via rent, drugs, or alcohol.”

She stressed that the problem stretches far beyond individual establishments. “Gauteng is a major destination and transit hub for human trafficking. Every brothel closed is a step toward protecting vulnerable women,” she added.

City’s commitment to intervention

The TMPD and City of Tshwane authorities said that the raid is part of ongoing inspections targeting hidden or illegal businesses that exploit workers. Officials have vowed to continue monitoring entertainment venues, bars, and other sites in the CBD for suspicious activity.

“This is critical work for the safety and dignity of women,” Khoabane said, noting that such interventions save lives and shed light on the often-hidden realities of trafficking networks operating in urban centres.

Public reaction

Social media users reacted with relief and support, with many calling for more frequent inspections and stricter penalties for operators of illegal brothels. Local advocacy groups are urging the city to pair enforcement with survivor support, including access to shelter, legal aid, and rehabilitation services.

As Pretoria authorities continue cracking down on illicit operations, the Savoy VIP Lounge raid highlights both the scale of the issue and the urgent need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable women from exploitation.

{Source: IOL}

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