Siphiwe Dlamini
Jerusalem, Israel – A significant breakthrough has been made in a human trafficking investigation as five women have been rescued from a network that forced them into prostitution. The illicit operation, which brought the women from South Africa to Israel, primarily operated out of Tel Aviv.
Investigations have uncovered that the traffickers used various deceptive means to lure the women from South Africa to Israel. These women were transported via Jordan under false pretenses.
“Testimonies collected from the women also indicated that they were brought to Israel from South Africa via Jordan under various pretexts.”
In a coordinated effort by the police, three of the women were found in Jerusalem, while the remaining two were located in Tel Aviv. In Tel Aviv, authorities discovered the victims with three South Africans – two men and one woman, all in their 40s. These individuals were immediately arrested and remain in custody.
Subsequent to this, another suspect, also South African, was detained in the southern part of Tel Aviv. The investigation further led to the arrest of a fifth suspect in July. This individual, who holds both Nigerian and South African citizenship and is also in his 40s, was apprehended at Ben Gurion Airport while attempting to flee the country.
“In July, a fifth suspect with Nigerian and South African citizenship in his 40s, was arrested at Ben Gurion Airport while trying to flee Israel.”
The broadcaster reported that the arrested individuals were believed to have contacted the women under the guise of arranging pilgrimages, thus facilitating their entry into Israel through Jordan and Ben Gurion Airport.
“The broadcaster said it was suspected that the detainees were in contact with women and in various accidents, brought them to Israel under the cover of pilgrims through Jordan and Ben Gurion Airport.”
The rescued women have since been transferred to a shelter dedicated to victims of trafficking, where they are receiving the necessary support and care.
The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation has responded to the situation. Spokesperson Clayson Monyela stated that while the department had not been officially notified about the incident, they are actively following up on the report.
“Speaking to Independent Online, Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, said the department hasn’t been notified about the incident but they are following up on the report.”
This case underscores the persistent issue of human trafficking and the complex international networks that sustain it. The rescue of these women marks a significant victory for law enforcement and highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and international cooperation to combat such crimes.
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