TRAFFICKERS TRAPPED - Hawks arrest two mense in Kraaifontein in connection with Thailand human smuggling

THE community of Scottsville in Kraaifontein was stunned by the arrest of two residents by the Hawks for allegedly trafficking four victims to Cambodia. 

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani said the two suspects aged between 44 and 51 were arrested on Saturday after luring four victims on a fake work opportunity to Thailand where they were held against their will.

Hani explained: “Two suspected recruiters between the ages 51 and 44 were yesterday, 20 February 2026, arrested by the Western Cape Economic Protected Resources team.”

The suspects are expected to appear at the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Last July, it was reported that over 200 South Africans were stranded in Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar in South East Asia as a result of the criminal operation. 

Residents reacted with shock online after the Hawks post was released. 

One wrote on Facebook: “If the Hawks were there, then it must be a serious case. I think this case is going to shock a lot of people in Kraaifontein.”  

Another added: “You people call for the arrests, but when it’s time to talk, then everyone is too scared to talk.”

When the Daily Voice arrived in Petunia Street to speak to residents, they refused to be interviewed or point out the house where the arrests were made. 

Ward councillor Brenda Hansen encouraged residents of the community to come forward with any information and report it to the police.

Hansen said: “Behaviour like this is definitely not acceptable within the community and by all means we need to avoid something like that. 

“If anyone else in the community knows about trafficking that is taking place then it should be reported to the police immediately. 

“I do not have much information as it is a case for the police.”

Hani added: “[The] arrest emanates from May 2025 where four victims were rescued by the team after reacting on information received about people who were recruited and promised an opportunity to work in Thailand in a Call Centre.

“After their applications were successful, upon their arrival in Thailand, they did not stay in Thailand as promised. Instead they were taken to Cambodia. On arrival in Cambodia their passports were taken away by the traffickers, their freedom of movement was impeded. 

“The victims were employed in a call centre where they were instructed to make calls to certain targeted individuals under the pretence that there were cases opened against them and they must pay a particular amount to avoid arrest. 

“They were forced to work very long hours and they were never paid for the work done, they then launched a protest demanding their money. 

“Some [three] of their passports were handed back and the fourth one could not get her passport. 

“Through interventions by families and NGO’s, arrangements were made for the victims to be returned home. The investigation led to warrants of arrest being issued against the suspects, and the two suspects were immediately arrested.”