The minors were intended to be smuggled to the Eastern Cape, according to police.

A 35-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the trafficking of eight minors following a joint operation conducted in Pretoria by the Rapid Rail Police Unit on September 6.

The operation focused on bolstering police visibility and crime prevention efforts, and involved stop-and-search operations, monitoring of known hotspots, and various other policing strategies.

According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johann van Dyk, the suspect was found to be the mastermind behind the trafficking operation. The suspect’s identity remains undisclosed for security reasons and pending further investigation.

“The minors, who had been transported from Zimbabwe, were intended to be smuggled to the Eastern Cape. They had crossed the border illegally and were being transported without valid documentation.”

“Various fines were issued, and numerous items suspected to be stolen were confiscated.”

“These items included solar panels, cellphones, tower batteries, sports lights, remotes, cable chargers, and 21 cellphones, collectively valued at approximately R42 000,” he said.

Source:

https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/2024/09/07/suspect-arrested-for-human-trafficking-of-eight-minors/

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