By ONN Reporter
The investigation into an alleged human trafficking and sexual exploitation operation in Durban has widened, with a second accused appearing before the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Rangasamy Naidoo, 48, handed himself over to police at Durban North Police Station on Thursday and faces charges including human trafficking, kidnapping, cybercrime, crimen injuria and procurement for prostitution.
The case has its roots in the alleged rescue of four young women from Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, in 2022. According to the Hawks, the women were allegedly lured to Durban with promises of employment selling SIM cards before being taken to a property in Durban North.
Police allege that the women were instead forced into sexual exploitation after arriving in the city.
Naidoo now joins a 65-year-old Durban businessman who was arrested on August 11 on a J50 warrant. The businessman faces 20 charges, including trafficking in persons, kidnapping and sexual assault. His identity remains protected by a court order.
The businessman was remanded in custody following his first appearance and taken to the Westville Prison Hospital.
Both accused are expected to return to the Durban Magistrate’s Court on August 25, when they are expected to apply for bail.
For the women at the centre of the case, the proceedings mark another step in a long-running fight for answers after an alleged job opportunity brought them to Durban and into a situation they say they never agreed to.
