Pretoria – Seven people who were arrested this past weekend are facing charges of human trafficking and the possession of drugs, says the Hawks.
During the operation, 16 girls were rescued and police recovered drugs worth R150 000 in Ekurhuleni.
The Hawks worked with other law enforcement agencies on “Operation Expose,” in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan suburbs which included Benoni, Boksburg, Reiger Park, Eldorado Park and Kempton Park.
The 16 girls that were rescued have been taken to a place of safety, while those that were arrested are expected to appear in the Kempton Park as well as Boksburg Magistrate courts respectively on Monday.
National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza, said the operation will send a strong message to drugs dealers and human traffickers as one girl enslaved in sexual exploitation is one girl too many.
He said drugs and human trafficking are monstrous and devastating crimes that steal people’s lives and degrades the country.
"I must mention without fear that I was disturbed to hear that we still had rogue elements within the SAPS and the local Metro Police who are working with these criminals. Together with Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane we will be relentless in our internal cleansing efforts. We have to eliminate scallywags from within our ranks,” Lt-General Ntlemeza said.
He said days of police officers who were corrupt were numbered.
He warned police who worked with criminals that they could lose their jobs.
Lt-General Ntlemeza further called on communities to work with police. – SAnews.gov.za
