Suspicious vehicle stop in Colesberg leads to arrests and trafficking investigation

A SUSPECTED human trafficking operation is under investigation after the South African Police Service (SAPS) intercepted a suspicious vehicle along the N1 near Colesberg on Wednesday night.

The operation began after SAPS officers in the Northern Cape acted on a tip-off about a vehicle transporting several children under suspicious circumstances. Following this alert, the SAPS contacted the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), who dispatched their Trafficking in Persons investigators to the scene.

Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe, spokesperson for the Hawks in the Northern Cape, confirmed the development.

“Our team was sent out to go and evaluate the matter, after which we will be able to know how to carry forward with the matter. At this stage, we are working with our partners, such as Social Development and the Justice Department, on the best way forward,” he said.

“We have arrested 3 individuals: one male driver and two females, and driver aides who also claim to be related to some children,” said Thebe.

As of Thursday, the children had not been reunited with their families, and authorities are considering interim protective measures. According to Thebe, the children may be placed in a place of safety in Galeshewe while further investigations continue and authorities work to trace their families.

The case is currently before the court, with charges of human trafficking being considered. Authorities are awaiting a ruling from the magistrate.

Thebe added that they are not ruling out the possibility of the suspects being part of a larger human trafficking syndicate operating either regionally or across the country.

“This case has the same modus operandi as our last case of foreign kids who were caught while en route to Cape Town. We hope our investigation will assist in that regard,” Thebe concluded.

Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activity involving the movement of children or vulnerable persons. The investigation remains ongoing.