Attorney, Andrew Johnston, left, accompanies the wanted couple out of King Shaka International Airport terminal building. Photo: Niney Ruthnam Attorney, Andrew Johnston, left, accompanies the wanted couple out of King Shaka International Airport terminal building. Photo: Niney Ruthnam
A Phoenix doctor and his wife, wanted by police for their role in a human trafficking operation, flew into King Shaka International Airport from Mauritius Tuesday morning and are facing imminent arrest.
The couple looked relaxed but strained as they were received by family members and their attorney in the international arrivals hall.
Dressed in dark blue jeans and a black suede jacket, the doctor hugged his brother and brother-in-law before being whisked away by his attorney, Andrew Johnston.
His wife, sporting light blue jeans and a black shirt, appeared to be upset and only broke into a smile when she was comforted by a younger relative. Her face adorned with piercings, she constantly urged her husband to keep up with their attorney whilst making their way to the parking area.
Shortly before the pair arrived, a man who indentified himself as one of their employees, said he believed the doctor’s reputation was being tarnished.
“I have known the doctor for a while now and I think the image that is being portrayed is inaccurate. He’s not the monster that everyone is making him out to be,” he said.
The doctor’s brother declined to comment saying he “had nothing to say to the media”.
Johnston also refused to comment. “My client has been overseas and I have not consulted with him as yet, so I have no comment,” said Johnston.
It is believed the couple were in Mauritius to enrol their son into a medical school when police issued a warrant for their arrest.
This followed a raid at the Inn Town Holiday Lodge in Rochester Street in Durban’s Point precinct.
Police indentified the couple as the owners of the building and the police had rescued 16 young girls from the building.
“The girls were rescued from sex slavery and drug dealing from a building and were taken to a place of safety. Eight of them were under the age of 16 with youngest being 12 years old. Many were under the influence of drugs.
Investigation also revealed that girls 16-years-and older were being enticed with lucrative job offers through newspaper advertisements, and forced into sex slavery.
“The girls were removed from the building, where they were forced to work in a brothel and they are now receiving therapy in their place of safety,” read the statement.
Police spokesman, Captain Thulani Zwane, said the couple were expected to hand themselves over to police but he could not confirm when or where this would take place.
“They have the opportunity to hand themselves over to police, if they do not do so then they will be arrested,” said Captain Zwane.
Three other suspects arrested in connection with the incident will make their next appearance in court on April 22.
They were remanded into custody after their last court appearance. - The Post