Dbn businessman back in court for alleged human trafficking
The businessman and his co-accused can't be named until they plead to sexual assault charges
A prominent 65-year-old Durban businessman and his 48-year-old co-accused are due back in court on Wednesday for a bail hearing. The two men, who remain unnamed until they plead guilty to sexual assault charges, are accused of human trafficking and sexual assault. They allegedly lured four women from Johannesburg to Durban with promises of employment and then sexually exploited them at a property in Durban North between February and March 2022.
The state opposes bail, citing concerns that the accused may interfere with witnesses, as some families were allegedly offered money. Digital evidence connects the men to the alleged trafficking operation. However, the businessman has disputed his arrest, while the second accused claims he was only hired as the businessman's driver.
The defence questions why the arrests occurred four years after the first case was reported, suggesting the charges are politically motivated due to the case's mention at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. A human trafficking survivor advocacy group highlights the risks faced by women vulnerable to exploitation and emphasizes the need for stronger protection and long-term support for trafficking survivors.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
