The victim was lured from Egypt with a promise of employment.
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A 49-year-old man, Emaed Ibrahim Hikal, appeared in the Oudtshoorn Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday facing charges of trafficking in persons.
The arrest follows a joint operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team and Bredasdorp SAPS, sparked by reports of a victim being lured from Egypt under false pretences of employment.
The suspect was apprehended after a warrant of execution was conducted by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
According to the Western Cape spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi, the victim was allegedly recruited while unemployed in Egypt, only to have his travel documents confiscated upon arrival in South Africa.
“Meticulous investigation by the Hawks revealed that the victim was lured by the suspect. The victim allegedly worked for the suspect without getting paid and was assaulted,” Vukubi said.
Emaed Hikal is the second suspect arrested in this ongoing investigation. The first suspect, 27-year-old Amado Hikal, was arrested on March 24.
The matter against both men has been postponed until April 30. Amado awaits a formal bail application, while Emaed’s case was delayed to allow for legal representation to be brought on record.
South Africa remains a primary destination and transit point for human trafficking. The Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act provides for heavy penalties, including life imprisonment, for those found guilty of labour or sexual exploitation.
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