German National Arrested
German national Joachim Will, aged 56, has been brought before the Kempton Park Magistrates court on Friday, 3 May 2024. Will faces serious charges of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and fraud, underlining South Africa’s ongoing battle against cross-border crime.
Colonel Philani Nkwalase, speaking on behalf of South African authorities, disclosed that Will’s arrest on Tuesday, 30 April 2024, was the culmination of a concerted effort by a joint police team. This team, led by the West Rand Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, worked in tandem with Interpol, Crime Intelligence and Gauteng’s Provincial Border Policing, showcasing a successful example of international and local law enforcement collaboration.
The arrest followed a disturbing discovery at the border on 19 April 2024. Two Madagascan women, aged 32 and 29, were intercepted by Border Management Authorities (BMA) as they attempted to board a flight to Croatia, under the suspect’s accompaniment. These women were found in possession of fraudulent Italian passports, leading to their immediate arrest and unveiling a deeper narrative of exploitation.
Investigations by the Hawks brought to light that Joachim Will had allegedly recruited these women through a dating site in Madagascar, promising them a bright future with well-paying jobs in Croatia. Subsequently, he facilitated their travel to South Africa and provided them with the counterfeit documents needed for their journey to Europe, driving them further into a web of deceit and exploitation.
In response to these revelations, a multidisciplinary operation was swiftly launched, leading to Will’s arrest. Plans were also set in motion to ensure the victims were moved to a place of safety, highlighting the authorities’ commitment to protect and serve justice to those affected by trafficking.
The case against Joachim Will has been postponed to 10 May 2024 for a formal bail application.
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv.) Godfrey Lebeya, praised the swift and coordinated efforts of all teams involved. He said, “The coordinated efforts of our team members have been instrumental in swiftly preventing our county from being used to commit crime as a transit venue. We remain committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice for the victims of trafficking in persons is restored.”
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