Several instances of human trafficking have been recorded over the past few years, were minors were either brought in to the country illegally or women were forced into brothels in towns like Klerksdorp and Rustenburg.

In the latest instance, Pillips Malope (43) was handed two life sentences on Monday by the Lichtenburg Regional court for human trafficking and the rape of a fourteen year old girl.

The Hawks' provincial spokesperson, Tlangelani Rikhotso, says the convicted human trafficker raped the victim on numerous occasions at his place of residence, which he shared with his girlfriend, in Coligny.

Rikhosto says he was later caught in the act by the girlfriend who alerted the police.

"It is alleged that on January 2018, the accused took the victim from Mozambique, after convincing her parents that he was offering her employment at his home in Thabazimbi"

The suspect took the victim to Coligny instead, where he was employed as a security guard and occupied a  single room with his girlfriend, " Rikhotso says.

"Malope was arrested and remanded in custody until ultimately being sentenced yesterday, " she further adds. Rikhotso, however, says the 14-year-old victim was taken to a place of safety where she is receiving ongoing counselling.

OFM News