CRIME SCENE: Cape Town: The South African Police Service (SAPS) have rescued a possible victim of human trafficking and arrested a suspect for involvement in a trafficking ring.

According to a spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, the 22-year-old victim was allegedly lured to Cape Town on Tik Tok by the 29-year-old suspect under the false pretenses of getting her a job as a hair stylist.

This was during April 2026. The young woman agreed and the suspect made arrangements and  paid for all her travel documents, passport and flight tickets to Cape Town.

“Upon her arrival in Cape town  she was picked up by the suspect where she was taken to a hotel. Investigations revealed the suspect took the victim’s passport as well as her cell phone. 

“She also attempted to force the victim into prostitution, but she refused,” said Hani

On Sunday, 13 September 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. 

“She was pointed out by the victim and was immediately arrested by the SAPS member and  instantly detained. The matter was then referred to the Hawks for further probing,” said Hani.