KZN child trafficking trial postponed

2012-10-18 14:22

(Shutterstock) (Shutterstock)

Durban - The trial of five people accused of running a brothel from which eight minors were rescued will be heard in the Durban Magistrate's Court next year, the NPA said on Thursday.

The trial would be heard on 21 to 25 January, said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson.

Sandile Zweni, Nonduzo Dlamini, Bhabha Dubazana, Dr Genchen Ragnath and his wife Ravina, face charges of dealing in drugs, human trafficking, keeping a brothel, and living off the profits of prostitution.

The trial was set for Thursday but was postponed because two of the accused had problems with legal representation.

Zweni, Dlamini and Dubazana and a fourth person were arrested in February.

Eight minors were among the 24 girls rescued from a building in Durban's Port area from which the brothel was run. Some of the girls were as young as 12 and under the influence of drugs.

Zweni's bail application was denied. The others abandoned their applications.

Ragnath and his wife were arrested at an upmarket resort in Umhlanga in March. They had failed to meet an ultimatum to hand themselves over to police upon their return from Mauritius.

- SAPA