Three individuals have been arrested in connection with human trafficking activities in Plumstead, Cape Town. The arrests mark a significant step in the ongoing fight against modern slavery in South Africa. The suspects, including a 35-year-old woman and her co-accused, Rogers Mubiru (34) and Fatuma Bashiba (38), appeared before the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 11 April 2025.
All three accused remain in custody following their court appearance. The case has been officially postponed until 17 April 2025 to allow for a formal bail application. During the hearing, the magistrate acknowledged the serious nature of the charges and the complexity of the ongoing investigation.
The arrests were carried out following a thorough tracing operation that took place between 12 and 24 March 2025. The operation was conducted by an integrated task team led by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, in collaboration with the National Intervention Unit and the Tactical Response Team. This task team focused on dismantling human trafficking networks operating within the Western Cape.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, the arrest of Mubiru and Bashiba was a result of weeks of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and operational planning. Hani emphasized the importance of such operations in addressing the scourge of human trafficking, which continues to plague communities both locally and globally.
Western Cape Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mathipa Makgato, praised the joint efforts of the investigation teams. He stated that the successful apprehension of the suspects demonstrates the Hawks’ ongoing commitment to fighting human trafficking, which he described as a “deeply insidious form of modern-day slavery.”
Makgato also encouraged communities to play an active role in the fight against this crime by staying alert and reporting any suspicious activities. “The battle against human trafficking cannot be fought by law enforcement alone,” he said. “It requires vigilance, cooperation, and trust between the public and the authorities.”
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected human trafficking incidents to the Hawks or contact the Crime Stop hotline. Authorities stress that timely reports can help prevent further victimization and may lead to the rescue of individuals currently trapped in trafficking rings.
Human trafficking remains a serious and growing concern in South Africa, with traffickers often targeting vulnerable individuals, including women and children, for purposes such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other criminal activities. Law enforcement agencies have been intensifying efforts to dismantle these criminal networks, with a focus on prevention, prosecution, and victim support.
As the court proceedings continue, more details about the charges and the suspects’ alleged involvement in trafficking operations are expected to emerge. Meanwhile, advocacy groups have applauded the arrests, calling them a significant milestone in the fight against one of the world’s most heinous crimes.