By OBAKENG MAJE
21 January 2025- A Nigerian man (36) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Gauteng High Court sitting in Johannesburg for trafficking in persons, uttering and fraud, as well as Contravention of Immigration Act.
Emmanuel Uzoaga’s legal woes started in May 2021, when police in Upington received an anonymous tip-off that the accused was about to transport a victim (18) via public transport to Johannesburg for sexual exploitation. It transpired during the initial investigation that Uzoaga had transported the victim to the same place before.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said the police applied for a search warrant at the identified place. Mnisi said the search was conducted in May 2021, at a house which was turned into a brothel in Lonehill, Johannesburg.
“During the execution of the search, police rescued three other victims and arrested two other suspects. The main accused, Uzoaga and his accomplice, James Okhudili Ugwuoke (32), both Nigerian nationals, have been in custody since their arrest in Upington and Johannesburg respectively.
“The third accused, Luzinda Pinky Abrahams (27) was part of the three victims initially rescued, but investigation revealed that she played a role in the crime and a warrant of arrest was issued for her arrest.
“All the victims were lured from Upington in the Northern Cape under false pretences by accused number three, Luzinda Pinky Abrahams, who was connected to accused number two (James Ugwuoke). Abraham worked as a middle lady in recruiting her friends to Johannesburg, where they were used for prostitution and were fed drugs daily,” she said.
Mnisi further said Abrahams was found guilty on the charge of forgery. She added that Uzoaga was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on count of trafficking, 4 years imprisonment on count of uttering, 4 years imprisonment on count of fraud and 12 months imprisonment on count of illegal immigration.
“All counts will run concurrently. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm. Abrahams was sentenced to pay a fine of R10 000 or 2 years imprisonment,” said Mnisi.
Meanwhile, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head in the Northern Cape, Major General Steven Mabuela congratulated his members, including the prosecution team for their hard work.
The Guardian 