SOUTH AFRICAN COURT UPHOLDS 18-YEAR JAIL TERM FOR NIGERIAN IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASE
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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, on Wednesday, affirmed the conviction and 18-year incarceration sentence of Nigerian national, Chinedu Justice Obasi, who was adjudged guilty of human trafficking and engaging in a fraudulent marriage to obtain residency.
As reported by Independent News Eswatini, Obasi was convicted in December 2017 on three charges and received his sentence in September 2018.
The allegations comprised two counts of harboring women for exploitation and one count of a fraudulent marriage.
Court documents reviewed by the news outlet indicated that between April and September 2016, Obasi sheltered two women, identified as Busisiwe and Puleng, in an apartment in Pretoria, where he allegedly coerced them into prostitution.
He reportedly seized their earnings, supplied them with narcotics, and restricted their movements, continuously monitoring them to prevent escape.
The charge of fraudulent marriage traced back to 2005, when Obasi wed a South African woman but failed to cohabit with her, with the court concluding that the union was established solely for the purpose of acquiring legal residency.
According to the case dossier, Busisiwe encountered Obasi in December 2015, while Puleng was introduced to him by Busisiwe in May 2016. Both women ultimately fell under the control of Obasi and his co-defendant, who perpetuated their exploitation.
During the appeal, Obasi contended that the trial court neglected his personal circumstances and inadequately considered evidence.
Nonetheless, the presiding Judge Graham Moshoana rejected these assertions, emphasizing that Obasi did not testify in his defense.
Judge Moshoana characterized the case as a distinct example of modern-day slavery.
He stated, “Human trafficking persists because individuals are susceptible to exploitation due to poverty, lack of education, and desperation.
“Victims are frequently abused, bewildered, and disoriented. Individuals are trafficked for sexual exploitation, labor, and various related purposes. ”
With this ruling, Obasi will persist in serving his 18-year prison sentence.
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