Two young sex workers sent home after they were found in an alleged brothel in eMbalenhle

Residents of Ext 15 clashed with police over two girls who were rescued from an alleged brothel on Friday, 17 August.

The dispute began when officers told residents who brought the girls, aged 16 and 19, to the police station that there was nothing that they could do because prostitution has been legalised.

Police said they consulted social workers who said nothing could be done except to send the girls home.

They said there was no evidence that the girls were trafficked, and the girls said they went there on their own free will.

Residents suspected that the girls were trafficked and used for sex work, and decided to follow up.

“On arrival at the house that they are allegedly renting, they confirmed that they were doing sex work. We were shocked because they are very young and we decided to take them to the police station. We were disappointed that the police were not cooperating. We only wanted to help the girls,“ said a resident.

Speaking to the newspaper, the girls said they were from eMpangeni and have been in the area for nearly two weeks.

The 16-year-old girl said she was recruited by the other girl.

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They hitchhiked to Secunda where they were welcomed by another sex worker who took them to Extension 16.

“I dropped out of school and did not tell my aunt, my guardian. I do not have parents so I thought if I do this job, life would be easier. However I cannot cope, I want to go home and return to school. This is not an easy job and most of the clients are old people,” said the 16-year-old girl.

The 19-year-old girl did not want to go home and said she was fine with the sex work.

Police contacted their families and made arrangements for the girls to be sent home pending the investigation.

Vukanini Taxi Association sponsored their transport.

No one was arrested.