By OBAKENG MAJE
One of the prime suspects in a human trafficking case, Beaula Maruza (41), was denied bail today by the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court. Maruza and her co-accused, Tafadzwa Otis Nadakurwa (46), were arrested during a multi-disciplinary operation on 6 December 2023 for trafficking in-person allegations.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said, two Zimbabwean nationals were allegedly seen boarding a bus in Midrand with 14 undocumented kids aged between 6 and 14. Mnisi further said the police were alerted to the incident by a vigilant passenger in a bus from Midrand in Johannesburg en route to Cape Town.
“The bus stopped in Kimberley and the passenger called an off-duty police officer, alerting the multi-disciplinary team for investigation and arrest. The suspects claimed to be taking the kids to their parents in Cape Town, however, this information could not be verified by the police.
“This led to the arrests and the victims were inspected. They looked hungry and were found to be dirty without any additional clothes or bags. The Provincial Trafficking in Persons rapid response team led by the Northern Cape Department of Social Development, was contacted to assist the victims with shelter and food,” said Mnisi.
She further said Nadakurwa has since been released on bail. Mnisi added that their case was postponed to 12 February 2024.
The Guardian 