CRIME SCENE: Cape Town: The Hawks Economic Protected Resources team based in Bellville together with City of Cape Town Safety and Security Information Management Service (SSIMS) made a significant breakthrough in three unrelated but similarly orchestrated trafficking in persons arrests on Thursday, 18 June 2026.

All three cases involved victims lured under false pretences of job offers and stripped off their travel documents upon their arrival, said Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani.

“Two suspected recruiters aged 38 and 42-years were separately arrested. One was arrested while appearing on a drug related matter where he is remanded in custody. The other suspect was arrested while seen walking inside the court building.

“Warrants of arrest were issued against both suspects.

“John Chukwologha (42) appeared immediately after his arrest on two different related trafficking in persons matters. The case was remanded to 25 June 2026 for bail information,” said Hani.

The second suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, will  make his first court appearance on the 22 June 2026.