Sunday World reports that the East London Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to 52-year-old deputy principal Vuyokazi Gana, who is accused of human trafficking, running a brothel and living off the proceeds of prostitution.
The court ruled in favour of the prosecution during a bail hearing on Monday. The Hawks’ serious organised crime investigation unit in East London conducted a two-year investigation before Gana was taken into custody on 15 October. The investigation, which began in September 2023, revealed a scheme that Gana allegedly operated out of her Quigney suburb property. The state evidence accuses Gana of recruiting vulnerable young women and coercing them into sex work. The women were reportedly transported to East London, where they were housed at Gana’s residence.
The National Prosecuting Authority’s Luxolo Tyali pointed out that the offences were serious. Gana’s lawyers highlighted her position as deputy principal at a local primary school, her leadership in the church, and her unblemished record since her employment in 2001. They further argued that her six chronic ailments warranted exceptional circumstances for bail. But, the court highlighted the gravity and prevalence of human trafficking, the need to protect vulnerable victims, and the importance of maintaining public trust in the justice process. Gana will remain in custody until her next court appearance on 28 November.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Coceka Magubeni at Sunday World
- Read too, Eastern Cape deputy principal denied bail in human trafficking, sexual exploitation case, at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
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