Picture: The accused person, Esther Mwanza arrested by the Hawks/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
Two women who were brought to South Africa from the Democratic Republic of Congo for alleged human trafficking purposes were rescued by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team from a house in Klerksdorp. It is reported that, on 20 January 2023, two females aged 20 and 31 were found at Esther Mwanza’s home.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “The victims are alleged to have been trafficked from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa, where they allegedly endured labour exploitation. The victims were interviewed and subsequently taken to a place of safety, which was provided by the Department of Social Development.
“Esther Mwanza (41) made a brief appearance at the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 2 June 2023, following her arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Klerksdorp for trafficking in persons. Meanwhile, the case has been postponed to 9 June 2023 for a formal bail application.”
The Guardian 