AUTHORITIES in Malaysia have arrested a Zimbabwean national
linked to a pageant run by Taremeredzwa Munzara, on allegations of human
trafficking after a joint sting operation by South Africa’s Hawks and Interpol.
While NewsDay could not immediately establish the identity
of the person arrested, allegations are that the arrest was in connection with
a human trafficking case involving a South African model, Princess Mahlangu,
who was later rescued alongside eight models from other countries.
Allegations are that Munzara was implicated by Mahlangu,
who claimed she was made to travel to Malaysia under the impression that she
would participate at Munzara’s Miss United Countries pageant, but was
threatened with death upon arrival, leading to the arrest.
The models are said to have travelled to the Asian country
for the Miss United Countries pageant run by Munzara that was supposed to have
been held on July 29, but it is alleged that the Malaysian government blocked
the pageant.
In a recent interview with NewsDay, Munzara confirmed he
was set to host the pageant, which he said was an international pageant open
for unmarried females between the ages of 17 and 30 that promotes the
unification of nations, sharing and exchanging experiences and practices in
order to bring about a progressive international community.
He further claimed, the pageant stands for developing the
world using beauty queens as advocates and ambassadors for their countries in
matters to do with social, economic activities and tourism and culture.
South Africa’s State broadcaster, SABC reported on the
arrest and a statement from the South African Directorate for Priority Crime
Investigation, known as the Hawks, confirmed that a Zimbabwean had been
arrested.
“Nine alleged sex trafficking victims were rescued on
Friday and one suspect arrested in a joint sting operation by the Hawks,
Interpol and the Malaysian police,” the statement read.
“The women, one who is South African and the other eight
from different parts of the world, were allegedly trafficked to Malaysia last
week Saturday after they responded to take part in a beauty pageant in Kuala
Lumpur.
“Upon arrival, they were informed by their handler that the
show has been cancelled and they were held hostage in a hotel room.
“The 27-year-old victim managed to make a frantic phone
call to her brother, who then contacted (Police) minister Fikile Mbalula.
“Minister Mbalula referred the matter to the authorities
and the Hawks immediately took a leading role in the case.
“The accused, who is from Zimbabwe, was arrested and is
currently in custody in Malaysia.
“It is understood that the ladies were going to be smuggled
to different parts of the world for sex trafficking.”
Mbalula told journalists at a press briefing, while welcoming
the alleged victim that “a Zimbabwean national has been arrested in connection
with the crime” without naming him.
He said they were investigating an agency in Bloemfontein,
South Africa, as they believed they operated as a syndicate, working closely
with authorities from Malaysia and Interpol to investigate the matter.
Efforts to get a comment from the Zimbabwean embassy in
Malaysia were fruitless, as the phone rang unanswered and questions sent by
email had not yet been responded to.
Munzara also did not respond to messages sent to him on
Facebook and WhatsApp by time of going to print. newsday
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