Fate of 72 human trafficking victims yet to be decided
Five people are due back in court this Friday after 72 illegal foreign nationals were rescued from a textile factory in Newcastle.
The crime-fighting group and the Department of Home Affairs swooped on the KZN factory this week where arrests were made.
The five suspects appeared in court yesterday - facing charges of human trafficking.
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The unit's Simphiwe Mhlongo says it's not clear if the workers will be deported immediately.
"We are now working together with the Department of Social Development as well as Home Affairs in terms of assisting the victims. The immigrants are currently being kept in a place of safety.
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"The victims are part and parcel of the criminal proceedings as there is a case of human trafficking that has been opened. They will be needed in court to give their testimony of what really transpired, how and when they came to South Africa," he said.