South African Woman, 8 Others Rescued From Sex Trafficking and Organ Harvesting Ring In Malaysia

A 27-year-old South African woman and 8 other women have been rescued from a suspected sex trafficking syndicate in Malaysia.

The women were rescued in a joint operation conducted by Interpol, the Malaysian Police, the Hawks and the South African Ministry of Police.

South African Police Minister, Fikile Mbalula, who disclosed this on Friday, said the woman was lured to Malaysia under the impression that she would take part in an internet modelling competition that attracted women from 14 countries “promising a great life with great prizes to be won”.

Mbalula said he received information about the South African on Wednesday night‚ and asked Interpol and the Hawks to investigate.

“The speed in intervention assisted South Africa to rescue females from 14 nations‚” said a statement from Mbalula’s office. “The South African victim is now safe and secured.”

"We are working to get our girl home. In the meantime she is safe and has been seen by our embassy representatives in Kuala Lumpur.” Mbalula said.

The minister said woman were trafficked to be used as sex slaves before their organs were harvested for illicit transplants.

"The issue of human trafficking is extremely serious and I want our young women in particular to know that they are the most vulnerable group to sex traffickers who later harvest human organs from them for trade in illicit organ transplant markets."

“My greatest concern was the South African‚ and having the rest of these innocent young women rescued is fantastic — a good way to end the week"

“I expect to welcome our citizen back home by Tuesday next week. Unfortunately she has to spend her birthday on the flight but we are very happy she will soon be home soon"

Below is the statement released by South African Police Service on Saturday:

Nine alleged sex trafficking victims were rescued on Friday and one suspect arrested in a joint sting operation by the Hawks, South African Interpol and the Malaysian Police.

The women, one who is South African and the other eight from different parts of the world were allegedly trafficked to Malaysia last week Saturday after they responded to take part in a beauty pageant in Kuala Lumpur.

Upon arrival they were informed by their handler that the show has been cancelled and they were held hostage in a hotel room.  The 27 year old victim managed to make a frantic phone call to her brother who then contacted Minister Fikile Mbalula.

Minister Mbalula referred the matter to the authorities and the Hawks immediately took a leading role in the case.