Three Batswana women rescued from human trafficking scam at OR Tambo International Airport

Police have rescued three young Botswana women who allegedly fell victim to a human trafficking scam after being lured by a syndicate promising them jobs in Sierra Leone – a country in West Africa.

Spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the women, aged between 20 and 23, were intercepted and rescued at the busy OR Tambo International Airport on Friday.

“The victims were en route from Botswana to Sierra Leone via South Africa and Nairobi when they were intercepted and rescued by members of Interpol NCB (National Central Bureau) Pretoria and the Germiston Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit after landing at OR Tambo International Airport,” said Van Wyk.

A preliminary report indicates that the Botswana High Commission in Pretoria had alerted Interpol to assist in tracing the missing women.

Police said investigations into the matter are ongoing.

In July, IOL reported that the Interpol National Central Bureau in Pretoria, in conjunction with the SAPS, had arrested a Chinese fugitive at Sandton.

The Chinese national was wanted in the People’s Republic of China, in connection with a case of fraud.

At the time, Van Wyk said law enforcement agencies in South Africa continue to record commendable successes in dismantling transnational crime syndicates and arresting international fugitives in the country.

“The Interpol NCB Pretoria extradition team arrested a 57-year-old Chinese fugitive who is reportedly linked to a case of fraud reported in China,” said Van Wyk.

“According to a preliminary report, Interpol circulated a red notice to all member countries to locate and provisionally arrest the Chinese national.”

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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