KZN man sold off his teenage girl relative as a wife to a foreigner

In a shocking case that has rocked Umhlali in KZN, a 43-year-old relative has been accused of trafficking a teenage girl to his co-worker, leading to his arrest and subsequent release on R1,000 bail.

The man faces charges of human trafficking, defeating the administration of justice, perjury, and financial misconduct under the Finance Act.

Meanwhile, a Malawian national, also implicated in the case, was charged with statutory rape and remains in custody pending his next court appearance.

Following the arrest of the relative, concerns for the welfare of the children involved prompted the Department of Social Development to take action.

Two younger siblings of the teenage girl, aged 4 and 9, were removed from their home and placed in a child and youth care center after being found to have also been victims of violations.

Mhlabunzima Memela, spokesperson for the Department of Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal, outlined the steps being taken to address the situation.

Memela stated, “The teenager will be placed with her siblings,” highlighting the importance of keeping the family unit together during such challenging times.

The department’s intervention involved thorough interviews with various individuals connected to the children, including the school principal, relatives, and parents.

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