'CBD brokers': Police probe possible human trafficking links

The recent rise of young insurance brokers operating in the central business district and reportedly luring commuters into questionable insurance policies, has been linked to possible human trafficking elements, according to the police.

- Koketšo Sekhwela

Police are investigating the matter following a raid on a rented house in Legae La Batho, roughly 10 minutes outside Polokwane, where young people between 18 and 23 years old were reported being accommodated under questionable circumstances.

According to police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba, officers, accompanied by officials from Home Affairs, acted on information provided by concerned residents. During the raid, police found the house largely unfurnished, with blankets on the floor and numerous young people occupying a single room.

The occupants reportedly told authorities they were employed to sell insurance policies and had been living at the property for an extended period. A Nigerian national, who confirmed he operated a sales and marketing company, identified the occupants as employees.