According to reports, the victim was taken from Xai Xai by the healer who promised her a job at a hair salon. On arrival in Hendrina, he told the victim there was no job and that he wanted to make her his wife. 

The victim was allegedly assaulted and raped. She was also given substances believed to be the traditional healer’s medicine. 

The victim was rescued eight months later by a passer by who notified the police of her suffering. The victim was allegedly in captivity from November 2023 until she escaped in July 2024.

READ | 39 human trafficking victims rescued from Belfast farm

The Hawks Secunda based Serious Organised Crime Investigation learned about the incident when they were conducting an awareness campaign on human trafficking in Piet Retief. The team took it upon themselves and conducted further investigation.

The suspect allegedly escaped to Mozambique but was arrested immediately after his return to the country on Monday, 24 February, 2025.

The Hawks will also engage the Department of Home Affairs to verify the suspect’s citizenship as the names on his traditional certificate and passport do not correspond.

The suspect is expected to appear in Hendrina Magistrate’s Court today.

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