Court affidavits reveal chilling details in Durban human trafficking case

Court affidavits have revealed alarming details in a human trafficking case in Durban involving a businessman and his co-accused. The accused allegedly recruited vulnerable young women from Gauteng to work at a company called ICLICK, promising legitimate employment such as selling SIM cards or working in a call centre. Instead, the women were allegedly taken to a house in Durban North and forced into sexual exploitation, including webcam performances, posing naked online, and providing escort services.

The accused allegedly threatened and intimidated the victims, preventing them from contacting friends and family and forbidding them from leaving the property. The businessman, who faces multiple charges including trafficking in persons, sexual assault, and cyber fraud, was granted R50,000 bail, while the co-accused was released on R100,000 bail with strict conditions.

Both men have been ordered not to contact witnesses or other suspects. The court heard that digital forensic investigations and cellphone evidence uncovered communication between the suspects and alleged access to websites commonly used for online adult content. The businessman denied posing any threat to the public and claimed he cooperated fully with police, while the co-accused denied charges of kidnapping, attempted conspiracy, and sexual assault.

The court postponed the matter to 22 October 2026, while investigators continue pursuing the case, with the State indicating that four more arrests are expected.