A 59-year-old man from Milnerton has been charged with trafficking in persons, rape, and contraventions of the Cybercrimes Act in the Cape Town Magistrate\u2019s Court.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mark John Ross was arrested on Wednesday at his residence during a tracing operation by the Hawks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to the provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, Ross\u2019 house was searched for a firearm used during a commission of a crime and other various exhibits were also seized.\u00a0<\/p>\n
His crimes are alleged to have taken place between October 15, 2025, and November 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe victim reported that she was convinced by a friend (recruiter) whom she met on Facebook to accompany her to a lodge that is situated in Milnerton. Upon her arrival, the recruiter handed her over to a male person who then took her into one of the rooms. The suspect threatened her with a firearm and forced himself on her,\u201d Hani said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ross is alleged to have taken naked photos of the 19-year-old and then raped her.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe suspect told the victim that whenever he asks her to come, she must come to the lodge; otherwise, he will post the naked photos on social media. Investigation revealed that on two occasions, the victim consented to meeting up with the suspect, where she was raped repeatedly. On the third occasion, she refused to meet the suspect,\u201d Hani said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Because she refused to meet with him, it is alleged that Ross sent the victim her naked photos and threatened to post it on the internet.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was later contacted by her brother, who informed her that he saw her naked photos on Facebook and he enquired from her as to what had happened.\u00a0 A case of trafficking in persons and rape was reported in November 2025,\u201d Hani said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
During the investigation, one of the suspects was identified by the complainant.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hani said a warrant of arrest as well as a search and seizure warrant, was authorised by the court.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are imminent,\u201d Hani said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ross has been remanded in custody.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The matter was postponed until June 25 for a formal bail application.\u00a0<\/p>\n