A 39-YEAR-OLD woman accused of sex trafficking her then 12- and 13-year-old daughters in various towns across South Africa, including Amanzimtoti, made an appearance in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, Gauteng, on October 29 and 30.

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She is facing 73 charges that include rape, sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.

The woman, who cannot be named to protect the identity of her children, was arrested for the alleged crimes in April 2023. Her Facebook account states she had moved to Amanzimtoti in August 2022. It also shows pictures of her children taken at Amanzimtoti Main Beach.

The Boksburg Advertiser reported that the alleged crimes happened between 2022 and 2023 at guest houses in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Free State. It was also reported that she is originally from Margate. In KwaZulu-Natal, the children were allegedly sold to multiple clients in Amanzimtoti and Ramsgate.

A Heidelberg attorney, who allegedly paid the mother R160 000 to sleep with the 13-year-old, was also arrested but was released on bail.

After making her first appearance in court in 2023, the woman was denied bail and has been in custody while the investigation continued. During his October 29 court appearance, the attorney told the court that he was in a relationship with the child.

The woman pleaded not guilty to the charges and will return to court on November 4. She was remanded in custody.

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