This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
On July 2, 2019, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi launched an investigation into the disappearance of a 17-year-old student from Soweto slums.
During their probe, the investigators discovered that the missing student's disappearance was linked to a notorious child trafficking ring operating in the area.
Following a thorough search, the detectives rescued nine minors, aged between 12 and 17 years, who were confined in rooms and may have been subjected to harsh living conditions.
Three suspects, including an 80-year-old woman, were arrested in the bust. The suspects are Said Hamisi, 41, Maimuna Bakari, 52, and Sophia Wanjiru, 80.
According to the DCI, the children were rescued after launching probes into the disappearance of the 17-year-old student, and they were led to Soweto slums where children were confined in rooms.
“Nine children aged between 12 years & 17 years, suspected to be victims of Human Trafficking, were yesterday rescued by DCI detectives from a house in Soweto slums,” DCI's statement read.
“Three suspects; 41-yr-old Said Hamisi, 52-yr-old Maimuna Bakari and 80-yr-old Sophia Wanjiru arrested. Children safe,” it continued.
