Controversial pastor arrested for human trafficking
A controversial Nigerian Pastor has been arrested in Port Elizabeth in a dramatic show of force by the Hawks and some members of the police's Tactical Response Team (TRT).
The pastor's plane touched down at the Port Elizabeth airport at around 3.00pm on Thursday.
When he and other passengers entered the baggage arrival hall, TRT members armed with automatic weapons rushed into the area, as he appeared to be fleeing the scene.
In the confusion, some TRT members were seen running through the airport looking for him. In the end he was found inside a toilet in the arrival halls.
He was then marched out of the toilet and airport building, surrounding by armed TRT members to a waiting car as crowds at the airport cheered his arrest.
The pastor was taken to the Hawks regional office in Port Elizabeth where he is going to be processed before appearing in court on Friday.
He could face charges related to human trafficking.
Hawks spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said he will now be formally charged.
"He was arrested for trafficking of persons. We are laying that charge now, but because we are investigating further, there is a possibility of us adding more charges," said Netshiunda.