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Human trafficking suspect arrested after year-long manhunt
A Chinese national was arrested on Wednesday and appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, September 12 on allegations of human trafficking.
Liu Liang (33) is being charged with trafficking in persons a year after his accomplices were arrested and his warrant for arrest issued, according to police.
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha said Liang was arrested en route out of the country.
“He was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, September 11, whilst attempting to flee the country after having been flagged as a wanted person.”
He said a warrant for his arrest was issued in June 2023.
In July last year, his three alleged accomplices, Thai women Walairak Thaemchange (34) and Warunee Aryasid (37), and a Chinese national, Lin Yong Peter Huang (34), were arrested at a house in Garsfontein, Pretoria east.
Liang was the additional suspect accused of trafficking in persons where three victims were rescued in July 2023.
Ramovha said Liang’s accomplices were arrested on Sunday, July 20, 2023, at a house in Johnny Claasens Street, Garsfontein.
“The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in collaboration with other police units acted on a tip-off by a female victim. The woman managed to escape her captors and alerted the Thai Embassy about her ordeal of being kept against her will and being sexually exploited at the same premises,” he said.
Ramovha added that the trio consequently appeared in the Pretoria court, with Huang eventually granted bail of R100 000 following numerous appearances.
“Thaemchange and Aryasid have remained in custody since.”
He said the court has postponed Liang’s case to Wednesday, September 25, for a bail application.
“The case for the rest will then be heard on September 27.”
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