A 26-year-old woman’s bravery has brought a horrifying human trafficking case to light in Bloemfontein, resulting in the arrest of three suspects — including a former high-ranking police officer. The suspects, aged between 29 and 59, were taken into custody following a coordinated operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Crime Intelligence, the K-9 Unit, and Police Emergency Services.
The woman was allegedly lured to Bloemfontein in 2022 under the false promise of a job at a gentleman’s club. Once there, she was taken to a private residence, where she was drugged and assaulted. According to investigators, she was photographed during the ordeal. Remarkably, she managed to escape through a bathroom window and alert authorities.
Among the accused is a retired Warrant Officer who once served with the Hawks in Bloemfontein. The case has since been transferred to the Hawks for continued investigation, with a fourth suspect still at large.
The three accused appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on 1 July 2025. Hawks provincial head, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, commended the investigation team for their tireless efforts and reaffirmed that no one is above the law — regardless of former affiliations.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by human trafficking and the importance of swift, coordinated law enforcement action to protect the vulnerable and hold perpetrators accountable.
