EAST LONDON – A 52-year-old deputy principal accused of orchestrating a human trafficking operation that forced young women into prostitution will remain behind bars after the East London Magistrates’ Court denied her bail application last week.
Vuyokazi Gana, who has worked as an educator since 2001, faces serious charges including trafficking in persons, living on the earnings of prostitution, and operating a brothel. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) successfully argued that no exceptional circumstances warranted her release.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit arrested Gana on 15 October, following a lengthy investigation that began in September 2023. The probe uncovered allegations that the respected educator used her position to recruit vulnerable young women from the former Transkei region.
According to state evidence presented in court, Gana allegedly transported victims to East London and housed them at her Quigney property, where they were forced into prostitution. The court heard that Gana or senior women at the alleged brothel instructed new recruits on how to dress and where to position themselves at night to attract clients.
The prosecution detailed a systematic operation where Gana allegedly profited through multiple revenue streams. Victims were charged daily accommodation fees ranging between R250 and R300, while Gana also took a portion of their earnings either directly or through her bank account.
In a particularly disturbing aspect of the alleged operation, women who failed to generate sufficient income to cover their “rent” were reportedly evicted and left destitute, further reinforcing their vulnerability and dependence on the operation.
Gana’s legal team argued for her release, highlighting her 24-year teaching career, clean criminal record, and leadership roles as both deputy principal and church leader. The defence also cited her six chronic medical conditions as exceptional circumstances justifying bail.
However, the state successfully countered these arguments, emphasizing the serious nature of the Schedule 6 offences and the potential risks her release would pose to the administration of justice.
The investigating officer provided crucial testimony, warning that Gana’s release could endanger victims, compromise ongoing investigations, and damage public confidence in the criminal justice system. The court also heard allegations that Gana had previously threatened victims and shown disregard for law enforcement.
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In delivering judgment, the magistrate found that the defence had failed to establish exceptional circumstances warranting bail. The court emphasized the gravity and prevalence of human trafficking crimes, the critical need to protect vulnerable victims, and the importance of maintaining public trust in the justice system.
“The court upheld the prosecution’s arguments, finding that the accused failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances,” said Luxolo Tyali, NPA Regional Spokesperson.
The case highlights the ongoing battle against human trafficking in South Africa, where vulnerable individuals, particularly young women from rural areas, are often targeted by criminal networks.
The matter has been remanded to 28 November in the East London Magistrates’ Court for further investigation. Gana will remain in custody until her next court appearance.
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