A primary school teacher from East London is facing seven counts of human trafficking, with the youngest victim a 16-year-old girl allegedly recruited from the former Transkei for prostitution.
52-year-old Vuyokazi Gana, who teaches at a school in Orange Grove, appeared in the East London Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Her bail application has been postponed to 23 October, while she remains in custody.
According to the charge sheet, the victims — aged between 16 and 23 — were allegedly made to pay up to R300 a day to rent rooms at Gana’s Quigney residence.
“On arrival at this house, the accused and other girls who have been there longer would tell the new girls what to wear and where to stand at night to entice the male clients,” the charge sheet reads.
“The accused provided the required clothing to the girls on credit.”
The charge sheet further reads that “if a girl did not make enough money to pay the accused, she would evict the girl without mercy.”
Prosecutor Nceba Ntwelwa told the court that, as this is a Schedule Six offence, the State intends to oppose bail.
Gana appeared before the court wearing a hat and a mask that covered her face, refusing to allow the media to capture her image. However, the Magistrate ruled that it was in the public interest that her story be told objectively.
The courtroom gallery was packed with her supporters, including teachers and family members, while the ANC Women’s League was also present, strongly opposing her release on bail.
Provincial Chairperson Zininzi Mtyingizane says the organisation stands firmly against the exploitation of women and children, adding that the league will sign a petition and mobilise on the day of her bail application.
She said it was a big disappointment and an embarrassment that a woman could be behind such a despicable act.
Mtyingizane also said it was increasingly prevalent for teachers to be implicated in the sexual exploitation of young girls, and expressed hope that the Department of Education would assist in eradicating the scourge.
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