Wendy Dondolo|Published
A 46-year-old Nigerian national has been arrested in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, after a multidisciplinary law enforcement operation targeting premises allegedly linked to commercial sexual exploitation uncovered that he was in possession of an expired asylum document.
The operation was conducted on Thursday by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, together with members of the SAPS Gert Sibande District Office, Ermelo police and Department of Home Affairs officials.
According to the Hawks, the suspect was allegedly renting out rooms to women at the premises and is expected to appear before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Expired asylum document
Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said the operation took place in the Ermelo central business district (CBD) on Thursday, following investigations into premises allegedly being used for unlawful activities linked to commercial sexual exploitation.
Seven people, comprising six women and one man, were found on the property during the operation.
Preliminary investigations established that three of the women were nationals of Lesotho, two were from eSwatini, and one was a South African citizen. The Hawks said the foreign nationals were all in possession of valid passports.
Further inquiries led investigators to the 46-year-old Nigerian national, who was allegedly operating from the property.
“The Nigerian was subsequently arrested and charged as he is allegedly renting out rooms to the ladies,” Nkosi said.
The investigation is continuing to establish the full extent of the alleged unlawful activities and whether other people knowingly facilitated, benefited from or permitted the use of the premises for criminal purposes.
Hawks warn property against facilitating illegal activities
Acting provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Bruce Davenport, commended the cooperation between the law enforcement agencies involved in the operation.
Davenport warned individuals who allegedly profit from illegal brothel operations or make their properties available for prostitution-related offences that they could face criminal prosecution.
“This operation demonstrates the DPCI's unwavering commitment to disrupting organised criminal activities that exploit vulnerable persons and undermine the rule of law,” the Hawks said, quoting Davenport.
“Individuals who derive financial benefit from the operation of illegal brothels, facilitate prostitution-related activities, or knowingly make premises available for the commission of such offences must understand that they expose themselves to criminal prosecution.”
Davenport further warned property owners, managers and occupiers against allowing their premises to be used for criminal activities.
“The law will take its course against any person found to have participated in, facilitated, managed, profited from or turned a blind eye to criminal activities taking place on their properties,” he said.
The Hawks said investigations would continue to identify and dismantle networks allegedly involved in organised crime and related offences across Mpumalanga.
The suspect is expected to make his first court appearance at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
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