Three Zimbabwean nationals have been sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in a human trafficking scheme involving vulnerable children.
Image: File
Three Zimbabwean nationals will serve life behind bars after being convicted on multiple criminal counts, including human trafficking, fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and contravention of the Immigration Act.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said they welcomed the sentence handed down by the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg.
The trio was arrested in a staggered fashion after the first arrest was made at OR Tambo International Airport on August 1, 2022, following the interception of Hilda Tenenga, who was found attempting to travel with four minor children using fraudulent travel documentation.
“Investigations led by Warrant Officer Claas Ranthakgoa revealed that the accused had utilised fraudulent documents as part of a scheme to traffic the children out of South Africa to Ireland.
“Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Sthembiso Mlauzi and Kumburai Andrew Masimo, who allegedly posed as family members to facilitate the children's unlawful movement across borders.
“Although the accused were initially granted bail following their arrest, the matter was subsequently transferred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), where Senior State Advocate Makwena Mokwatedi successfully applied for the cancellation of bail. The accused remained in custody until the finalisation of the trial,” said Mohlatlole.
During sentencing proceedings, Mokwatedi submitted that the accused had exploited the extreme vulnerability of the minor children, who were orphans, and had abused their status as foreign nationals residing in South Africa.
The court sentenced each of the accused to four terms of life imprisonment for trafficking in persons.
In addition, each accused received 12 years’ imprisonment for fraud, 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of fraudulent documents, and two years’ imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act.
Acting Judge Bokako ordered that the sentences run concurrently with the life sentences for each accused.
“The NPA welcomes the sentence as a strong affirmation of South Africa’s commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable children from exploitation,” said Mohlatlole.
chevon.booysen@inl.co.za