CRIME SCENE: Ermelo, Mpumalanga: A 46-year-old Nigerian national has been arrested during a multidisciplinary operation targeting alleged commercial sexual exploitation activities in Ermelo’s central business district.

The operation, conducted on Thursday, 22 October by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (The Hawks), together with South African Police Service (SAPS) members and Department of Home Affairs officials, focused on premises suspected of being used for unlawful activities linked to commercial sexual exploitation.

During the raid, authorities found six women and one man on the property. Preliminary investigations revealed that three of the women were Lesotho nationals, two were from eSwatini, and one was a South African citizen. All foreign nationals were found to be in possession of valid passports.

“Investigators subsequently arrested the Nigerian national, who was allegedly operating from the premises and was found with an expired asylum document. It is further alleged that he was renting rooms to the women and that the property was being used in contravention of provisions of the (Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act,” said SAPS..

The Hawks said investigations are continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged unlawful activities and whether any other individuals may have facilitated or benefited from the use of the premises.

Acting Mpumalanga Hawks head Brigadier Bruce Davenport praised the cooperation between the various law enforcement agencies involved and warned that individuals who profit from or facilitate illegal brothel activities could face criminal prosecution.