The case arises from a 2022 incident in which young women (reports variously refer to three or four) from Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, were allegedly lured to Durban with a false job offer involving SIM card sales (linked in some accounts to a company called ICLICK and WhatsApp messages). Upon arrival at a property in Durban North, they were allegedly held against their will and forced into sexual exploitation, including sex work, webcam prostitution/posing naked on camera, and escort services. Victims reportedly escaped after one contacted a boyfriend, leading to a Hawks rescue operation around March 2022.
Charges
- The unnamed 65-year-old businessman faces approximately 20 charges. These include trafficking in persons, sexual assault (allegations include non-consensual touching such as squeezing buttocks/breasts), kidnapping, procurement for prostitution/unlawful carnal intercourse, crimen injuria, and contraventions of the Cybercrimes Act and the Films and Publications Act.
- Rangasamy Naidoo faces charges including human trafficking, kidnapping, cybercrime, crimen injuria, and procurement for prostitution.
Both have indicated they intend to plead not guilty. The main accused has alleged his 2026 arrest (on a J50 warrant executed by the Hawks around 11 August) is politically motivated or linked to his name surfacing at the Madlanga Commission (and related parliamentary processes examining police and justice system issues), rather than solely the 2022 events. He claims he was detained around the time of the original rescue but not formally charged then, and has raised concerns about the lawfulness of the arrest warrant and sought related documents. He has also cited chronic health issues (including heart/blood pressure problems and prior tumour removal) and requested specialised medical care or placement at Westville Prison Hospital.
Naidoo has described owning a concrete block manufacturing business employing staff, with claimed monthly income and assets, and has argued he is not a flight risk, would comply with conditions, and that the delay in charging (years after the alleged events) supports bail. The State has questioned the source/accumulation of wealth in at least one affidavit and opposed bail, citing the seriousness of human trafficking (described as a major criminal enterprise involving deception and exploitation), potential community safety impacts in an area like Durban North, and the interests of justice. Investigating officers have highlighted the nature of the offences.
Court proceedings and status
The main accused first appeared shortly after his mid-August 2026 arrest; the matter was postponed (with some logistical issues like court water supply problems noted in earlier proceedings) for the formal bail application around 25 August. Both men submitted affidavits. Proceedings on/around Tuesday 25 August involved reading of affidavits and arguments (defence stressing non-flight risk, non-interference with witnesses, health, and prior compliance; State opposing). Reports indicated the application was stood down for the State response and expected to continue into Wednesday or Thursday.
Survivor advocacy groups have been present and called for justice, noting the long delay since the 2022 events. Further investigation into additional linked suspects has been mentioned by authorities. The identity of the main accused remains restricted by court order due to the sexual assault charge until he formally pleads.
This remains an active court matter. Bail decisions in South Africa for serious Schedule offences like trafficking weigh factors including the strength of the case, flight risk, interference with witnesses/evidence, community safety, and personal circumstances. Outcomes can include release with strict conditions, continued detention, or further postponements. For the absolute latest developments, check ongoing court reporting from South African outlets, as proceedings can move quickly.
