Hawks smash sex ring

A syndicate of Nigerians smashed in Pretoria last month for human trafficking could face a R100-million fine or life in prison, or both, for trafficking 10 girls who they kept as sex slaves.

The three suspects were charged for contravening the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, South Africa's main legislative weapon against human trafficking.

They also face charges including rape, drug-dealing, possession of drugs and theft of a motor vehicle.

The suspects were arrested in a flat in Arcadia after an investigation by the Hawks.

Hawks spokesman Lieutenant- Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the operation also found 10 women in the flat.

"The women were being used for sex. Some of them told us they have been exploited for five years, some 10 years. One of them told us she has been doing it for 13 years, and she is only 25. "

Netshiunda said the women were used for entertaining the syndicate's guests.

"Those guys fed them drugs so that they can continue doing those things to them," he said.

The women were taken for questioning and have since been released as the case against the three men continues.

"We want people to be aware that human trafficking is real. You are not only going to be trafficked by a stranger, a friend can do the same to you. These people promise them jobs and luxurious lives," Netshiunda said.

A US state department report on worldwide human trafficking released in June cites South Africa as a source, transit region and destination country for men, women, and children forced into labour and sex trafficking.

"Nigerian syndicates dominate the commercial sex trade in several provinces," the report reads.

Rene Hanekom of A21, a human-trafficking monitoring and prevention NGO, said the recorded numbers of victims did not reflect the reality of the situation.

"Those victims assisted by safe houses accredited by the Department of Social Development do not include victims who were not assisted by safe houses, or assisted in non-accredited shelters," Hanekom said.

Embrace Dignity director Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge said: "There are no reliable statistics about the extent of human trafficking in South Africa.

"Estimates indicate this is a fast-growing problem. With the passing of trafficking legislation, it is hoped that South Africa will begin to keep accurate records."