Additional Suspect Arrested in KuGompo (East London) Human Trafficking Probe

An additional suspect has been arrested in connection with an ongoing human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation investigation in East London.

According to the South African Police Service, members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit based in East London arrested a 30-year-old woman in Johannesburg on 22 May 2026. She is expected to appear in the East London Magistrate’s Court on 25 May 2026.

The arrest forms part of a long-running investigation that began in 2023 after the Hawks’ Trafficking in Persons team received intelligence about a property in Quigney, East London, allegedly being used as a brothel and a hub for organised sexual exploitation.

Police said a multidisciplinary investigation was launched to determine the extent and nature of the alleged criminal activities linked to the premises.

Preliminary investigations allegedly revealed that several young women from different parts of the Eastern Cape had been recruited, transported and exploited for purposes of prostitution under coercive and exploitative circumstances.

The Hawks said the latest suspect was identified during the course of the investigation and was allegedly linked to the matter involving 52-year-old Vuyokazi Gana.

Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the suspect’s alleged role, as investigations are continuing.

The woman is expected to face allegations relating to human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation when she appears in court.

Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, commended the investigating team for their work.

He also acknowledged the assistance provided by community members and the media in helping authorities track down and arrest the suspect.

Police indicated that the investigation remains ongoing and that further developments may follow as investigators continue to pursue the matter.