Following their conviction for human trafficking and running a brothel, a Nigerian couple has been handed lengthy prison sentences.
The Pretoria High Court sentenced Jude Ikenna Ijegulu, a 34-year-old Nigerian, and his 29-year-old partner, Elizabeth Botes from Centurion in Pretoria.
In a landmark ruling, Ijegulu was given two life terms for rape and an additional two-year sentence for illegal residency in the country.
This decision was reported by the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation.
SABC news disclosed that the court mandated his inclusion in the National Register of Sexual Offenders.
Lumka Mahanjana, the Gauteng spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, expressed satisfaction with the verdict.
He stated, “Between November 2016 and September 2017, the couple operated a brothel in Centurion where they held two women against their will. The man sexually assaulted and drugged the victims.”
Furthermore, the duo compelled the women to provide sexual services to clients. The judge ruled that the couple had violated the Human Trafficking Act by enslaving the victims and administering drugs.”
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