Xamdeboo farmer Louis Lategan convicted of human trafficking, rape
Louis Lategan has been convicted on charges including human trafficking, rape and assault.
Louis Stephanus Lategan, a 42-year-old farmer from Xamdeboo, Eastern Cape, has been convicted of human trafficking, rape, and assault charges. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced the conviction in the Makhanda High Court, where Lategan was found guilty of multiple counts of rape, assault, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to children.
According to NPA spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, the alleged incidents took place at Lategan's farm between 2020 and 2023, where he allegedly lured young women under the pretense of employment opportunities, only to drug and sexually exploit them. The victims, aged between 18 and 21, were raped and assaulted multiple times. Despite pleading not guilty and presenting five witnesses, Lategan was convicted on most charges and acquitted on a single count of child rape. The NPA aims to secure a favorable sentence when Lategan is sentenced on September 21.
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