Allegations of sexual exploitation against Durban businessman revealed in court

A Durban businessman has been charged with a string of sexual offences, including human trafficking and sexual assault, following his appearance in a Durban court. According to prosecutors, the businessman, whose name cannot be disclosed due to the sensitive nature of the allegations, was arrested on Tuesday and is accused of luring women with false promises of employment contracts.

The charges against him include sexual assault, human trafficking, cyber fraud, and other cyber crimes related to the recruitment of women into the sex industry. The charge sheet details allegations that the businessman unlawfully recruited, transported, or received three women for sexual exploitation between February and March 2022 in Johannesburg and Durban.

These acts allegedly included posing naked on webcams, engaging in webcam prostitution, and providing escort services. In addition to the sexual crimes, the businessman faces charges of attempting to induce others to commit sexual offenses and distributing unregistered sexually explicit material. The case is set to be heard again on 25 August 2026 for a bail application.