Human trafficking sentence welcomed

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Government has welcomed the conviction of two brothers who ran a brothel in Arcadia, Tshwane.

“Human trafficking is a serious criminal offence that undermines the human rights stipulated in the Constitution,” Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General, Phumla Williams, said in a statement on Thursday.

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 was convicted on Tuesday.

“We are of the view that these harsh sentences given to the perpetrators will serve as a deterrent to those who are attempting to commit such crimes,” Williams said.

Obasi was also convicted of contravening the Immigration Act for marrying a South African woman to obtain citizenship but not living with her.

“Government commends the justice system and the law enforcement agencies for their dedication in tackling human trafficking cases. Imposing strong punishment on human trafficking perpetrators is a demonstration that government is dealing with crimes of [this] nature,” Williams said.

South Africa recently put in place a comprehensive legal framework to prevent and combat human trafficking. 

The country is also party to various international and regional instruments dealing with human trafficking.

Communities are urged to be vigilant at all times and work with law enforcement to combat human trafficking and other forms of crime. – SAnews.gov.za