EASTERN CAPE – Rome Mohammed (36), Tanvar (32) and Lucinda Martin (42) appeared in Keiskamahoek Magistrate court on Frida, 28 May 2021 for alleged trafficking in persons, charges.

The trio’s appearance in court emanates from their arrest during a joint venture by the East London Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks and King William’s Town K9 unit on Wednesday, 26 May 2021.

It is alleged that Lucinda the mother to a 13 year old daughter who suffers from Down syndrome sold her and her 15 year old niece to Rome and Tanvar who are shop owners in Keiskamahoek for sexual exploitation. The conduct dates back from February 2019 while the victims were 11 and 13 years old respectively until they were taken away to a place of safety in March 2021 as the Hawks were busy with the probe.

The trio made a short appearance in court on Friday, 28 May 2021 and were remanded in custody until 07 June 2021, for formal bail application.

Source: South African Police Service