By Mapaballo Borotho

- A human trafficking investigation in KwaZulu-Natal has led to the arrest of two suspects linked to allegations of kidnapping, sexual assault and human trafficking.
- Police say four young women from Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, were allegedly lured to Durban in 2022 with fake SIM-card sales jobs before being forced into sexual exploitation.
- A 65-year-old prominent Durban businessman and a 48-year-old suspect have since been arrested, while police say more arrests are expected.
A 48-year-old suspect has handed himself over to the police in KwaZulu-Natal for allegations of human trafficking, sexual assault and kidnapping.
The suspect handed himself over to the police on Thursday, 13 August 2026.
The case is linked to the human trafficking and kidnapping ring involving a prominent KZN businessman who was arrested earlier this week.
“The case stems from a 2022 rescue of four young women from Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, who were lured with fake SIM-card job opportunities and were later forced into sexual exploitation at a Durban North property,” said KZN police spokesperson Philani Nkwalase.
The recruiters told the women they would sell SIM cards to clients in a private casino. They were also provided with transportation and accommodation in Durban.
“It was further alleged that the boss or ringleader came to the premises to interview the victims, and one of the victims was sexually assaulted by the boss.”
The victims managed to escape when one of them sent a WhatsApp message to her boyfriend. The boyfriend then reported the alleged trafficking to the police.
The main suspect, a 65-year-old prominent Durban businessman, was arrested on 11 August 2026 by the Hawks.
He appeared briefly in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on 12 August 2026, and the case was postponed to 25 August 2026 for a formal bail application.
Nkwalase says the investigation continues and more suspects linked to the incident will be arrested.
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