Two ‘tricked women into prostitution’

TWO MEN are facing life in prison for allegedly tricking young women into prostitution with promises of jobs in Joburg.

The two men appeared in the South Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, yesterday on charges of human trafficking and kidnapping.

Frank Amaku, 26, and Ilo Promise Somadina, 25, appeared scared and confused.

Proceedings were delayed because the accused were having trouble paying their lawyer.

A 21-year-old alleged victim, who may not be named because it is alleged that she was raped, was kept against her will at the accuseds’ premises in Randburg.

Amaku and Somadina provided their victims with food, shelter and clothing.

According to the indictment, the accused operated a brothel.

The document says during the period of January to February 2016 the accused met the woman in Upington, Northen Cape and she was unemployed at the time.

The accused then promised her a job and accommodation in Johannesburg.

The accused then organised and paid for transport for Jacobs to travel to Johannesburg. The two did not give her the promised job. Instead, they took photos of her and posted them on the internet to advertise her services.

During this period and on several other occasions the accused sexually exploited her for monetary reward. The proceeds of sexual acts performed by her were all handed over to the accused. The accused supplied the complainant with drugs.

The indictment said Amaku raped her several times during her captivity. On April 18, 2016, she reported her ordeal to her relatives and opened a case. The accused were then arrested.

“We have presented a strong case and we should be able to finish it soon,” said State advocate Lwazi Ngodwana.

He added that police were still looking for other suspects who sexually exploited the young woman.

He said that the woman had moved to the Northern Cape to be with her family and that she had not coped well at first but was now recovering well.

He added that if the accused are found guilty, they will face life in prison.

The trail was postponed to August 30 and the judgment will be heard between September 4-6.