Explosive investigation lifts the lid on Charles Mwesigwa, Dubai’s most notorious pimp
A BBC investigation has unmasked Charles Mwesigwa, known as “Abbey,” as the mastermind behind one of Dubai’s most degrading sex trafficking networks.
Crime
Crime
Darren Wilken, accused child sex abuse trafficker, denied bail
The Randburg Magistrates’ Court has denied bail against Darren Wilken and his partner Tiona Moodley, accused of running a global child sex abuse ring, while both remain behind bars.
Crime
Watch: Daughter goes on epic rant after Chinese mom gets 20 years for trafficking [video]
Nancy Xiao says her mother, one of seven Chinese nationals jailed for human trafficking, is not the real mastermind, claiming the true “big boss” is still free in South Africa.
Local
Cyan Boujee claims promoting Russian internship scam was ‘not for the money’
Cyan Boujee has apologised for promoting the Alabuga programme, a suspected Russian internship scam now under investigation for links to human trafficking.
Viral
These influencers are being investigated for allegedly recruiting ‘young girls’ for jobs in Russia
South African influencers are under investigation for allegedly promoting a Russia internship scam that recruits young girls with promises of jobs and training opportunities.
Crime
Joshlin Smith case: Lourentia Lombaard gets immunity, court throws out defence’s leave to appeal conviction
Section 204 witness Lourentia Lombaard has been granted immunity in the Joshlin Smith case, while a Western Cape High Court judge refused the defence’s bid to appeal the convictions of three accused.
Crime
Watch live: Joshlin Smith leave for appeal case continues on Day 2
The second day of arguments in the Joshlin Smith case leave to appeal is underway, with the defence set to finish submissions before the State responds and the court rules on both the appeal and a key witness’s immunity.
Crime
Joshlin Smith leave for appeal: We broke down what went down on Day 1
Day 1 of the appeal confirmed that while convictions may stand on paper, the battle over this case is far from over. Inside the court, legal teams are fighting for the future of three convicted individuals. Outside, the search for a little girl — and the truth — continues.
Crime
Joshlin Smith appeal hangs in the balance as defence attacks court’s application of the law
Day one of the leave to appeal in the Joshlin Smith case saw defence lawyers accuse the court of procedural errors and coercion, while arguments for a key witness’s immunity were also heard.
Crime
Watch live: Joshlin Smith case returns to court as mom and co-accused launch appeal
The Joshlin Smith case is back in the Western Cape High Court today as Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis, and friend Steveno van Rhyn try to overturn their convictions and life sentences for child trafficking and kidnapping.
Crime
Prosecutor in Joshlin Smith case believes she’s still alive
Prosecutor Zelda Swanepoel says there’s no evidence Joshlin Smith is dead and believes the missing child may still be alive.
Crime
Sangoma arrested after discovery of missing Kutloano Shalaba’s body
Police have recovered the body of two-year-old Kutloano Shalaba and arrested a sangoma linked to the boy’s disappearance.
International
Diddy trial: Full 15-minute video of Cassie assault surfaces online [video]
The full 15-minute video of Diddy assaulting Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel has emerged online as she continues her testimony in the federal sex trafficking case.
International
Diddy trial: Cassie reveals shockers on first day of testimony
Cassie Ventura took the stand in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial, detailing years of abuse, control, and sexual exploitation during their relationship.
Crime
WC High Court finds Kelly Smith and co-accused guilty in Joshlin Smith trial
All three accused in the Joshlin Smith case have been found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking the missing six-year-old by the Western Cape High Court.
Crime
Timothy Omotoso to be deported after skirting cult rape charges
After being found not guilty of rape and human trafficking, Timothy Omotoso will be deported from South Africa for being in the country illegally.
Crime
Bayswater woman arrested for trafficking ‘sex’ slaves
Four suspects, including a woman from Bayswater, have been arrested in Bloemfontein for allegedly trafficking a victim, drugging her, and forcing her into sexual exploitation.
Crime
Chinese traffickers convicted of running JHB sweatshop
Seven Chinese nationals have been convicted in a Johannesburg High Court for running a forced labour ring that trafficked 91 Malawian nationals into South Africa.
Crime
Keneilwe Shalaba: Mom charged with selling her son gives birth in prison
Keneilwe Shalaba, accused of selling her two-year-old son, has given birth in prison—despite previously claiming she was pregnant with twins. Her bail judgment is expected soon.
Crime
Court hears Keneilwe Shalaba received R75,000 on the day Kutloano disappeared
The Vanderbijlpark Magistrates Court has heard shocking new details in Keneilwe Shalaba’s bail hearing, including a R75,000 payment received on the day her son went missing.
Crime
Darren Wilken: Court hears accused child porn merchant drove a BMW with ‘KIDZ GP’ plates
Darren Wilken defended his BMW’s “KIDZ NA GP” license plate in court, calling it an inside joke.
Crime
Joshlin Smith pretrial kicks off at Western Cape High Court
The pretrial hearing for Joshlin Smith’s disappearance began today, with key witness Laurentia Lombaard set to testify against Kelly Smith and her co-accused.
Crime
Darren Wilken’s alleged accomplice’s case postponed: Here’s the latest
The court proceedings were brief, with the accused’s legal representative confirming that she intends to apply for bail at her next appearance.
Crime
Keneilwe Shalaba: Mom accused of selling her toddler due in court
Keneilwe Shalaba, accused of selling her missing two-year-old son, returns to court today. Here’s what to expect.
Crime
Darren Wilken’s girlfriend arrested in connection with child porn ring
The woman, a web designer, was detained on Thursday after police reportedly found 10 million images of child pornography in her possession.
Crime
Keneilwe Shalaba abandons bail as search for her missing toddler continues
Keneilwe Shalaba has abandoned her bail application. The 32-year-old Boipatong resident is accused of trafficking her two-year-old son.
Crime
Kutloano Shalaba: Mother remanded in custody for allegedly trafficking her son
The woman had initially reported that her son was kidnapped by three men in a silver-grey VW Polo on Wednesday, 13 November 2024.
International
Mike Jeffries news: Former Ambercombe, Fitch CEO nabbed on sex trafficking charges
The indictment, handed down by the Eastern District of New York, charges Mike Jeffries and his associates with numerous counts, some dating back to 2008.
International
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs federal indictment unsealed: Here’s everything you must know
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been federally indicted and faces charges related to sex trafficking, drug distribution, and racketeering. Here’s everything we know.
International
Prominent multinational caught in major Malaysia child sex trafficking ring
Malaysian authorities rescued more than 400 victims, including minors, during a crackdown on charity homes linked to a banned sect.