City of Johannesburg officials have cracked down on a suspected human trafficking operation in Ferndale, Randburg, where a property authorised to operate as a guesthouse was allegedly being used as a brothel.
The city said the building bypassed several municipal laws and had illegal water connections, which were subsequently disconnected. The property’s operating rights as a guesthouse were withdrawn, and the matter has been referred to the courts.
Women living at the property were allegedly being booked through online platforms.
One of the occupants requested assistance from the Department of Social Development to return to the Eastern Cape, saying she no longer wished to remain at the facility, and support was provided.
The alleged owner of the property was not present during the operation and is reportedly a naturalised South African citizen.
A second property linked to the same individual was found to be operating as a multiple dwelling and to be in arrears on rates and taxes.
“The owner has since signed an acknowledgement of debt. Water services were disconnected due to non-compliance, Development Planning issued a fine, and further rates penalties will be imposed for illegal land use. During the operation, a 14-year-old child was found on the premises and was immediately referred to the Department of Social Development for appropriate intervention and protection services,” the City said.