Durban — A 48-year-old man, Rangasamy Naidoo, made his first appearance in the Durban Magistrates’ Court on Friday after handing himself over to authorities in relation to a human trafficking and kidnapping investigation that involves a 65-year-old Durban businessman.
Charges and court progress
Naidoo is facing multiple counts, including human trafficking, kidnapping, cybercrime, crimen injuria and procurement for prostitution. The matter was briefly before the court and adjourned; both Naidoo and the businessman are expected to apply for bail on 25 August.
The main suspect, the 65-year-old businessman, remains subject to a court order preventing his name from being published because he has yet to plead to a sexual assault charge. He was arrested on 11 August on a J50 warrant and faces a total of 20 charges, according to court records referenced by investigators. After his first appearance he was taken to Westville Prison Hospital.
How the investigation began
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) said the arrest of Naidoo followed his surrender at the Durban North Police Station on 13 August. KZN Hawks spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase said the probe links back to a rescue operation in 2022, when four women were recovered from a property in Durban North.
“The case stems from a 2022 rescue of four young women from Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, who were lured with a fake SIM card job opportunity and were later forced into sexual exploitation at a Durban North property,”
The victims were reportedly brought to Durban after being promised legitimate employment and then coerced into sexual exploitation. Investigators have not provided further details about possible additional suspects or the current welfare status of the rescued women.
Local impact and public safety concerns
Human trafficking investigations of this nature deepen concerns about organised exploitation networks that move victims across provinces. Durban’s transport links and busy informal economy can be exploited by traffickers targeting people seeking work. Community groups and frontline NGOs often warn that promises of quick income and bogus job offers are common recruitment tactics.
For residents, police advice is to verify employment offers, be cautious of job brokers who request money up front, and report suspicious recruitment activity to local police or national helplines. Support services and shelters for victims of trafficking are available through several provincial NGOs and social services, though access and resources can be limited.
Key dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Rescue of four women from a Durban North property (victims lured from Eldorado Park, Johannesburg) |
| 11 August | Arrest of the 65-year-old Durban businessman on a J50 warrant |
| 13 August | Rangasamy Naidoo hands himself over at Durban North Police Station |
| 25 August | Scheduled bail applications for both accused |
What the police have said and what remains unknown
Police have provided a broad outline of the case and its origins, but many operational details remain under court restriction or were not disclosed, including whether more arrests are expected, the working relationship between suspects, and victim support details. The publication ban on the businessman’s name is in place because of ongoing sexual assault charges, limiting what can be published at this stage.
- Who is involved: a 65-year-old Durban businessman (name under court restriction) and a 48-year-old accused, Rangasamy Naidoo.
- Allegations: human trafficking, kidnapping, sexual exploitation, cybercrime, crimen injuria, procurement for prostitution and other related counts — a total of 20 charges against the businessman.
- Next court date: 25 August for bail applications.
The case is being handled by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation with statements released via the KZN Hawks. The unfolding matter will be watched closely by trafficking watchdogs, victims’ groups and the public as further court processes and investigative developments emerge.
Anyone with information about the case or suspicious recruitment practices is urged to contact their nearest police station or the Hawks’ public channels. Reports can also be made to NGOs that assist trafficking victims for support and guidance.
