20 September 2018
Government welcomes the Gauteng High Court’s judgment handed to two Nigerian brothers, who were convicted of human trafficking for running a brothel in Arcadia, Pretoria.
Obioma Benjamin Abba was sentenced to 12 years’ effective imprisonment on two charges of human trafficking, while his brother Chinedu Justine Obasi, was sentenced to 18 years’ effective imprisonment. The pair were convicted for human trafficking and received lengthy sentences on Tuesday. Obasi was also convicted of contravening the Immigration Act for marrying a South African woman to obtain citizenship but not living with her.
GCIS Acting Director-General, Phumla Williams said: “Human trafficking is a serious criminal offence which undermines the human rights stipulated in the Constitution. We are of the view that this harsh sentences given to the perpetrators will serve as a deterrent to those who are attempting to commit such crimes.”
“Government commends the justice system and the law enforcement agencies for their dedication in tackling human trafficking cases. Imposing strong punishment against the human trafficking perpetrators is a demonstration that government is dealing with crime of such nature,” Williams added.
Government views cases of human trafficking in a very serious light. South Africa recently put in place a comprehensive legal framework to prevent and combat human trafficking. South Africa is also party to various international and regional instruments dealing with human trafficking.
Communities are urged be vigilant at all times and work with law enforcement to combat human trafficking and other forms of crime.
Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139
Issued by: Government Communications
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