REPORTER

A SCHOOL deputy principal (52) who faces allegations of trafficking and prosecution will spend Christmas in custody after her bail attempt failed in the Makhanda High Court on Monday, December 15.

The suspect was arrested by the East London Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in October after a comprehensive investigation into alleged human trafficking and prostitution involving young females recruited from the areas of the former Transkei region.

Police investigations, which commenced in September 2023, uncovered allegations that the school deputy principal was recruiting young women from Qumbu, Mthatha and Ngqeleni.

Victims were allegedly transported from different areas to East London where they were ostensibly housed and coerced into sex work.

Preliminary investigations revealed that victims were engaged in sexual activities with various clients from whom they reportedly received payments.

The suspect supposedly profited from these illegal activities by charging accommodation fees ranging between R250 and R300 per night, depending on the room, said Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana. It was further alleged that she personally collected the proceeds or directed the victims to transfer the funds into her bank account.

In October, the suspect’s bail application was initially opposed by the East London Magistrate’s Court. However, she instituted an appeal before the Makhanda High Court where she was also denied bail.

The acting provincial head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape Brigadier Venessa Shantelle Hastings has commended the efforts of the investigating team and reiterated the Hawks’ commitment in disassembling organised criminal networks that prey on vulnerable individuals within the province.

The matter was remanded to March 3 for further investigation.