Milnerton house linked to human trafficking, suspect arrested

A house in Milnerton, Cape Town, has been identified as being linked to human trafficking following a search that led to the discovery of a victim and the alleged trafficker, who was also found to be in the country illegally.

The 23-year-old suspect is set to make his first appearance on Monday, December 29, to face a charge of trafficking in persons.

The suspect, who was first taken into custody by police on December 23, was initially detained for being illegally present in South Africa. However, investigations then uncovered deeper criminal activities, leading to additional charges of trafficking in persons.

According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), it was during a special operation that they found victims of human trafficking at the house in question. 

Hawks provincial spokesperson, Zinzi Hani said: “The suspect will face the full justice process for both offences. It is reported that on 23 December 2025, members of the Hawks Economic Protected Resources (EPR) conducted a search and seizure operation to identify possible victims of trafficking in persons at a house in Milnerton.

“Upon searching, one victim was identified and thereafter the alleged trafficker was also identified and was instantly interviewed. During the interview, it was discovered that he is illegally in the country. He was immediately arrested under the Immigration Act. As the investigation progressed, the victim confirmed that the suspect arrested under the Immigration Act was indeed the trafficker. The suspect is to make his first appearance on Monday, 29 December to face a charge of trafficking in persons.”

Cape Times