EASTERN CAPE- Lonwabo Tede (52) and Vuyolethu Namba (37) appeared in the Zwelitsha Magistrates court today facing charges of trafficking in persons, molestation and forced hard labour.

The pair was arrested in the early hours of Saturday, 13 November 2021 following a Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation which began in September last year into sexual abuse of vulnerable people, allegedly trafficked from different areas in Eastern Cape and Western Cape to Tede’s church.

Thus far, seven victims who are males and females have come forward to lay charges. These victims came through the church between 2005 and 2020. The pair’s case was postponed to the 25 November 2021 to enable them to solicit representation and for further investigation.

Source: South African Police Service