Durban Human Trafficking Case: Businessman And Co-Accused Granted Bail As Explosive Claims Emerge

A Durban human trafficking case has brought a series of serious allegations before the Durban Regional Court, including claims of sexual exploitation, fake employment offers, intimidation and attempts to interfere with the investigation. The allegations were detailed during a bail application involving an unnamed Durban businessman and his co-accused, Selvan Rungasamy Naidoo.

The businessman, who cannot be named because he faces sexual assault charges, was granted R50,000 bail, while Naidoo was released on R100,000 bail. Both men face strict bail conditions, including orders not to contact witnesses or other suspects connected to the matter.

The court heard evidence from Detective Warrant Officer Karl Sanders of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), as well as affidavits submitted by the accused. The businessman faces charges including trafficking in persons, sexual assault, kidnapping, procurement, cyber fraud, crimen injuria, conspiracy and offences under the Films and Publications Act, while Naidoo faces similar charges with some exceptions.

Durban Human Trafficking Case Centres On Alleged Fake Job Offers

The Durban human trafficking case stems from allegations that vulnerable young women were recruited from Eldorado Park in Gauteng during February and March 2022. Sanders told the court that the women were allegedly offered legitimate employment at a company known as ICLICK and were led to believe they would work selling SIM cards or in a call centre.

According to the investigating officer, the women travelled to Durban before being taken to a property in Durban North. It was allegedly there that they discovered the nature of the work they were expected to perform.

The State alleges that the women were expected to perform webcam sexual shows, appear naked online and provide escort services. They were also allegedly expected to engage in sexual acts with paying men, with online profiles created for them and overseas clients communicating through internet platforms.

Sanders said a portion of the women's earnings was allegedly retained by those running the operation. The State's case is that the women had been brought to Durban under false pretences before being exposed to the alleged sexual exploitation.

Durban Human Trafficking Allegations Include Threats And Confinement

The court heard further allegations that the women were intimidated and prevented from leaving the Durban North property. Sanders said they were allegedly warned that they would never see their families again, prevented from contacting friends and told the property belonged to a police officer.

The investigating officer also alleged that the women were monitored and, at times, locked inside a bedroom from the outside. Sanders said the businessman allegedly interviewed the women separately after they arrived at the property.

During two of those alleged interviews, the State claims the businessman sexually assaulted two complainants. Police further allege that he was regarded as “the boss” and that the women were expected to wear revealing clothing when he visited the property.

Digital forensic evidence also formed part of the State's case against the accused. Sanders told the court that investigators allegedly found repeated access to websites associated with online adult content, while cellphone records allegedly showed communication between the accused.

Police eventually broke down a door to reach the complainants after they allegedly managed to alert relatives and friends. Sanders argued that the businessman could interfere with witnesses and the investigation if released without strict conditions.

The detective cited the accused's previous convictions, allegations concerning the processing of a firearm competency certificate and claims that he had connections within law enforcement who could potentially influence investigations or access confidential police information. The court also heard about alleged approaches to witnesses and concerns from Naidoo's legal representatives about threats directed at his family.

Durban Human Trafficking Case: Accused Deny Involvement

The businessman rejected the State's allegations in his affidavit and denied posing a danger to the public. He claimed he had cooperated with investigators, voluntarily handed over his cellphone and argued that the charges against him concerned allegations that he touched two complainants' breasts and buttocks.

He also denied having the ability or intention to interfere with witnesses. The businessman pointed to the fact that the alleged events occurred in 2022, arguing that if he had wanted to destroy evidence, he would have had ample opportunity to do so.

According to his affidavit, the ICLICK call centre project was established after he was unable to operate another business following previous sequestration. He said Naidoo had been introduced to him as someone with experience in the call centre sector and was allowed to temporarily use a family-owned property while alternative premises were being prepared.

The businessman claimed he did not know about any alleged criminal conduct. He said he was shocked when he visited the property and found female employees in various states of undress.

He further stated that police searched his home shortly afterwards and that there was no further development until his arrest several years later. Both accused have now been released on bail while the investigation continues.

The matter has been postponed to 22 October 2026. The State has indicated that four additional arrests are expected as investigators continue building the case.