A 44-year-old mother from Nyanga appeared before the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, October 29. She faces charges related to the rape and human trafficking of her 13-year-old daughter.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said in a statement that the case has been postponed until November 9.
“The mother is charged with human trafficking for sexual exploitation and rape,” he said. “The ordeal came to the fore after the victim shared her gruesome experience with a friend early in October. The mother was arrested on 3 October 2020. Police are still looking for the man.”
Ntabazalia also said that more charges are likely to be added as the investigation continues.
Earlier in October, the South African Police Service (SAPS) explained in a statement that the woman sold her daughter for sexual exploitation.
“The woman received payment from a man to have intercourse with her 13 year old daughter during July in Nyanga. The case was opened after the victim shared the ordeal with her friend this month,” said Captain FC Van Wyk.
Luyanda Nyingwa, the Nyanga ward councillor, told the Cape Times that the incident upset the community.
“We strongly condemn what happened to the vulnerable girl,” said Nyingwa. “The man is from the area and hopefully he will be arrested soon. We cannot fathom what could be the mother’s reason behind this.”
Picture: Ashraf Hendricks/GroundUp