Beaula Maruza (41), who was arrested on December 6 at a Kimberley filling station on charges of human trafficking, was denied bail on Monday, January 15 by the Kimberley Magistrates Court.
Maruza and her co-accused, Tafadzwa Otis Nadakurwa (46), were apprehended as part of a multi-disciplinary operation at a Kimberley filling station and bus stop.
The two Zimbabweans were seen boarding a bus in Midrand, Gauteng, with 14 undocumented minors ranging in age from six to fourteen years. Of the 14 children, eight are boys and six are girls.
A screenshot of the scene on December 6 in Kimberley, where the Hawks intercepted a bus carrying 14 unaccompanied minors and two Zimbabwean nationals.
The kids are seen sitting in front of the shop at the gas station.
A vigilant passenger on the bus bound for Cape Town alerted police to the incident. When the bus arrived in Kimberley, the passenger contacted an off-duty police officer, who then notified the multi-disciplinary team for investigation and arrest.
The suspects claimed to be taking the children to their parents in Cape Town, but police were unable to verify this information, leading to the arrest.
The children were inspected and appeared dirty, with no additional clothing or bags, and were hungry.
The provincial Trafficking in Persons Rapid Response Team, led by the Department of Social Development, were contacted to assist with placing the children in a place of safety.
Nadakurwa has since been released on bail, and the two accused are scheduled to appear in court again on Monday, February 12, according to Hawks spokesperson WO Nomthandazo Mnisi.