Xamdeboo farmer Louis Lategan convicted of human trafficking, rape
Louis Lategan has been convicted on charges including human trafficking, rape and assault.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in South Africa has welcomed the conviction of Louis Stephanus Lategan, a 42-year-old farmer from Xamdeboo, for human trafficking, rape, and assault charges. Lategan appeared in the Makhanda High Court, where he was found guilty of five counts of rape, two counts of assault, and three counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to children.
The NPA spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, stated that the offences took place at Lategan's farm over a period of three years, from 2020 to 2023. The victims, aged between 18 and 21, were lured to the farm under the pretense of job opportunities but were instead drugged and sexually exploited. Despite pleading not guilty and presenting five witnesses in his defense, Lategan was convicted on the majority of charges, though acquitted on one count of child rape.
The NPA remains committed to ensuring a suitable sentence when the case is heard for sentencing proceedings on September 21.
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