South African police have rescued three young women from Botswana at OR Tambo International Airport after authorities discovered suspected human traffickers were targeting them.
Amanda van Wyk, police spokesperson, said the women, aged between 20 and 23, were reportedly approached on social media with promises of well‑paid jobs in Sierra Leone.
“Traffickers often use attractive employment offers to lure young people abroad. We acted quickly to prevent this crime,” a police spokesperson said.
Cross-Border Efforts to Stop Human Traffickers
The rescue was the result of coordinated action between INTERPOL and the Germiston Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, following information from Botswana authorities.
Amanda van Wyk explained that police intercepted the women as they travelled from Botswana to Sierra Leone via South Africa and Nairobi.
“Members of INTERPOL NCB Pretoria and the Germiston Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit rescued them after they landed at OR Tambo. The Botswana High Commission in Pretoria alerted INTERPOL, helping us trace the victims.”
Investigation Underway
Police are now working to identify and arrest those behind the trafficking attempt.
“Airports, highways and border posts remain vulnerable to organised crime. We urge the public to report any suspicious activity,” the spokesperson added.
