‘Trafficking’ case in court
A Whittlesea girl who allegedly fell victim to human traffickers at the age of 12, testified in camera in the Komani magistrate’s court on Friday.
She was cross-examined by defence attorney Mkhangeli Nqayana.
The 14-year-old grade 9 victim was allegedly prostituted by four women, Xolelwa Garhishe, Yolanda Klass, Zintle Tom and Nwabisa Kaziwa to five men in 2016.
The four women and co-accused Harun Mohamed have all pleaded not guilty. Mohamed faces a charge of rape.
The child was allegedly sold for between R80 to R150 to six men on different occasions.
Four of the suspects are allegedly foreign nationals and the other two are believed to be South African.
Five of the men fled after learning about the case.
The girl testified that the women held her captive for four days and sold her to different men.
“I reported the incidents to the police and two women [Garhishe and Tom] were arrested and charged with drunk and disorderly conduct, but they were later released the following day. I do not know why they were released.”
She said that after Garhishe and Tom were released, they had beaten her for “lying about them”.
After that, the police arrested the five suspects.
State prosecutor Nkosinathi Faxa said the state would close its case after the doctor’s testimony.
The case was postponed to November 26 and 27.
Social development MEC Pumza Dyantyi, who was in court, said the mandate of the department was to protect children.
Attending the court case were Chris Hani District Municipality executive mayor Kholiswa Vimbayo, Khula Development Project director and gender activist Petros Majola and Hawks spokesperson Anelisiwe Feni.
The girl’s mother thanked those who had supported her and her daughter during the trial.