The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has sentenced three Zimbabwean nationals to four life sentences each for their roles in a 2022 child trafficking case.
The court found Hilda Tenega, Sthembiso Mlauzi and Kumburai Andrew Masimo guilty of human trafficking, fraud, possession of fraudulent documents and violating immigration laws.
Authorities uncovered the case after officials stopped Tenega at OR Tambo International Airport while she tried to travel with three children using fraudulent documents.
Investigators later found that Tenega had planned to traffic the children from South Africa to Ireland.
Two others posed as relatives in child trafficking case
Warrant Officer Claas Ranthakgoa led the investigation, which resulted in the arrests of Mlauzi and Masimo.
The pair allegedly pretended to be relatives of the children to help move them unlawfully across international borders.
National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the accused initially received bail after their arrests.
However, senior state advocate Makwena Mokwatedi later successfully applied to have bail revoked after the matter moved to the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions.
The three remained in custody until the trial ended.
Court cites exploitation of orphans
During sentencing, Mokwatedi told the court that the accused had exploited the children’s vulnerability because they were orphans.
The court then handed each accused four life sentences for trafficking in persons.
Each also received 12 years for fraud, 15 years for possessing fraudulent documents and two years for violating the Immigration Act.
Acting Judge Thembi Bokako ordered the additional prison terms to run concurrently with the life sentences.
Mohlatlole said the ruling showed South Africa’s commitment to fighting human trafficking and protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.
