Africa-Press – South-Africa. The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg sentenced two convicted human traffickers to 18 life terms behind bars on Wednesday and imposed sentences of 309 years and 61 years in jail on a third and fourth co-accused respectively.
According to the Hawks, Tshepo Motswasele, 26, Katlego Rakgwale, 25, Nhlanhla Molefe, 27, and Noluthando Masia, 27, were arrested in July 2018 following a tip-off about a possible kidnapping scene at a block of flats in Fleurhof, Johannesburg.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha said: “The Hawks’ Trafficking in Persons [team] swiftly attended the scene. On arrival at the identified unit, they met six people – four females and two males. Preliminary interviews were conducted and it soon became apparent that the females were being kept at the flat against their will.”
The victims, aged 17 to 19, were rescued and taken to a place of safety.
Motswasele and Rakgwale were arrested immediately and the investigation led the Hawks to Masia and Molefe.
Ramovha said:
Motswasele and Rakgwale were each sentenced to 18 life terms.
Masia was sentenced to 309 years and Molefe was sentenced to 61 years. The court ordered that some of the sentences be served concurrently.
Gauteng head of the Hawks, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, said: “The sentences resonate with the Hawks’ mandate to put a stop to the scourge of human trafficking. Last month we had two separate sentences that included [sentences of] life and 20 years’ imprisonment. It is a clear indication of dedication and tireless work by our members.”
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