Three suspects are in police custody in Bloemfontein following their arrest by a multi-disciplinary task team on allegations of trafficking in persons, rape and attempted murder.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti says one of the suspects is a 59-year-old former Warrant Officer at the Hawks, who retired in 2019.
She says the trio were arrested in Bloemfontein on Monday.
W/O Matoti states that, according to the 26-year-old victim, she saw an advertisement on Facebook in July 2022 for a bartender position at a certain gentleman's club in Ferreira.
She says the victim started talking to the club owner, who made arrangements for her to be transported from Ventersburg to Bloemfontein.
"Upon arrival, she was taken to the house of one of the accused persons where she was drugged, sexually assaulted, and repeatedly raped by a group of males.
" The victim further alleges that one of the suspects was taking pictures during the ordeal," said Matoti.
The victim managed to escape through a bathroom window and sought assistance.
The three suspects are expected to appear in court on Wednesday, while police continue to search for one missing suspect.
