Beaula Maruza (41), who was arrested on 6 December at a filling-station in Kimberley on allegations of trafficking in persons, was denied bail on Monday, 15 January by the Kimberley Magistrates Court.
Maruza and her co-accused, Tafadzwa Otis Nadakurwa (46), were arrested during a multi-disciplinary operation at a filling-station and bus stop in Kimberley.
The two Zimbabwean nationals were seen boarding a bus in Midrand, Gauteng, with 14 undocumented minors aged from six to 14 years. Of the 14 children, eight are boys and six girls.
Police were alerted to the incident by a vigilant passenger in the bus on its way to Cape Town. When the bus stopped in Kimberley, the passenger called an off-duty police officer who in turn alerted the multi-disciplinary team for investigation and arrest.
The suspects claimed to be taking the kids to their parents in Cape Town, information police could not verify leading to the arrests.
The children were inspected and looked dirty, without any additional clothes nor 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 kids at a place of safety and providing food.
Nadakurwa has since been released on bail and the two accused are expected to be back in court on Monday, 12 February, said Hawks spokesperson WO Nomthandazo Mnisi.
