A sangoma will appear in court today after being arrested for the human trafficking of a 17-year-old girl from Mozambique to South Africa. According to information, from the South African Police Services (SAPS) the teenager was taken from Xai Xai in Mozambique by an alleged traditional healer and promised to work at a hair salon as a stylist. However, upon arrival, he was informed there were no job opportunities for her and instead wanted to take her as his wife.

ASSAULTED

"It is alleged that the girl was then assaulted and raped and given substances believed to be muthi. The victim was rescued eight months later by a passer-by who notified the police of her suffering,' the SAPS reported. The Hawks Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation conducted an awareness campaign on human trafficking in Piet Retief where they learned about the incident and the suspect put to book.

The names on his traditional certificate and passport do not correspond and he will be appearing at the Hendrina Magistrate's Court today. The Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber said "Human trafficking is a gross human rights violation. Communities must report incidents of human trafficking to the police so that they can respond to the plight of those suffering and who cannot defend themselves.'