Port Elizabeth: MyPE

www.MyPE.co.za: John Preller is chairman of the Humewood Community Police Forum and is a very involved and pro-active member of the Port Elizabeth community.

“We will either find a way, or make one”
Hannibal 247 – 183 B.C. Carthaginian General

"Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive" - Sir Walter Scott (1771 – 1832)

Deception is a false reality forced on a true reality. It is a fragile and complex thread of truth, half truths, lies and lies of omission. To successfully deceive another or several people, one must be skilled in the art of deception. To create a fraud worthy of belief one must be able to create plausible details that help create the illusion of truth. It is the detail that people listen to and remember that successfully perpetuate deception, the deceiver must be willing to live that lie when necessary.

This is the heart of Human Traffickers; they are masters at weaving a tangled web of deception. Two hundred years after the abolition of slavery more people are today living under the cruel yoke of modern day slavery than in the history of ancient times.

Over the past few weeks I have been attending the court appearance of six Nigerians applying for bail. Due to either the magistrate or lawyers not being available the case has been postponed on numerous occasions.

A raid on the notorious Bellvia Hotel uncovered criminal activities involving Prostitution, Drugs, and the Rape of under age girls during a joint law enforcement operation in early April 2005. There were also signs of human trafficking.

Special assignment followed up with an investigation at that time of their own, exposing the dreadful conditions and lifestyle of prostitutes and drug addicts living in the vicinity.

One of the women being interviewed told me later that her mother who is living in another province had been watching the programme on TV and had recognised her; she said this had been the most humiliating experience of her life.

Subsequent raids and community pressure saw the demise of the Bellvia hotel sometime later. But the criminal activities continued to flourish.

A breakthrough in the case came in early 2008 when Organised Crime's Marcel van der Watt was searching for a missing Port Elizabeth girl Janice "Vissie" Kakora who disappeared from St George's Strand near Motherwell in December the previous year; his search led him to Bloemfontein where he uncovered a national syndicate based in Bloemfontein with well established links in Port Elizabeth. Janice is still missing to this day but Marcel continues to be hopeful of finding her.

This syndicate is suspected of being involved in the abduction and trafficking of young girls throughout the country, they will rape them repeatedly for long periods of time and forcibly addict the girls to drugs, making them submissive and compelling them through beatings or withholding the drugs to work as prostitutes.

The following chilling report from the Herald dated, 5 Sept. 2008 illustrates the ruthless nature of the beast behind human trafficking:

"The operations also led to the arrest of 10 people and the confiscation of drugs worth R4000 and stolen property worth R8000. Police further obtained the names of five Port Elizabeth-based Nigerians allegedly involved in the syndicate. Two of the men who were arrested were running an illegal abortion clinic. Six illegal immigrants and two women involved in drug charges in Pretoria were also among those arrested.

The 14-year-old girl who was found went missing from Barkly West three years ago. Beetge said she was walking to a shop when a group of Nigerians overpowered her. From what police have gathered from the three girls, in some cases the victims were taken by force. "They drag the girls to their car, shove cocaine up their noses and drown out the screams by covering their mouths," Beetge said. After this they are raped continuously for up to two weeks. "By doing this they break the girls and condition them for prostitution."

The 14-year-old girl who was found went missing from Barkly West three years ago. Beetge said she was walking to a shop when a group of Nigerians overpowered her." In Port Elizabeth, this allegedly happens in various properties in the central business district in the city. They are then taken to Bloemfontein and from there they are "distributed" across the country or wherever there is a shortage of "fresh faces".

The Herald 5 Sep 2008

Marcel van der Watt's tenacity and determination in following up and backtracking the crime footprints that stood out from the raids in 2005 is testimony to his determined persistence and patience in connecting the "dots" to the breakthrough in Bloemfontein in 2008 that led to the arrest of the six suspects now in court.

These are the allegations, so distressing and so unsettling that you will be left trembling with a burning anger.

The Court charges read:

Accused no 5
Nigerian, accused over the period 2005-2006 on four different occasions at or near the Bellvia Hotel in Central Port Elizabeth did unlawfully and intentionally have sexual intercourse with a child of approximately between 11 and 12 years without her consent.

Additionally accused No. 5 is alleged to have been living on earnings of prostitution of a minor girl approximately 2005 to 2006 at or near Port Elizabeth Central.

Accused No. 5 is also accused of intentionally dealing at or near Central Port Elizabeth from 2005 – 2006 in dangerous dependence producing substances, by supplying rock cocaine on a daily basis.

Accused no 4
Nigerian no. 4 stands accused during the period 2006 on two different occasions at or near the Bellvia Hotel in Central Port Elizabeth he did unlawfully and intentionally have sexual intercourse with a child of approximately 12 years without her consent.

Furthermore accused No.4 stands accused that during 2007 in Central Port Elizabeth he did unlawfully and intentionally have sexual intercourse and once attempted to have sex with a child of approximately between 12 and 13 years without her consent.

Additionally accused No. 4 is alleged to have been living on earnings of prostitution of a minor girl in or near Port Elizabeth.

Accused No. 4 is accused of dealing in dangerous dependence producing substances, by supplying rock cocaine on a daily basis. A second drug, offence is alleged to have been committed from 2005 to 2009 near Central Port Elizabeth by supplying rock cocaine on a daily basis.

Accused no 3
Nigerian no. 3 is accused that during the period 2006 on many different occasions at or near St. Patrick Street Port Elizabeth he did unlawfully and intentionally have sexual intercourse with a child of approximately 12 years without her consent.

Additionally accused No. 3 is alleged to have been living on earnings of prostitution of a minor girl during the period 2006 in Port Elizabeth
And from approximately 2005 to 16 December 2007 did unlawfully live wholly or in part on the earnings of prostitution generated by an adult female in Port Elizabeth and did bodily harm a young female by beating her all over her body with a green hosepipe, burning her with boiling water and running her over with a motor vehicle.

Additionally accused No.3 is alleged to have kidnapped with another person to commit a sexual offence in or near Port Elizabeth

Accused No. 3 is alleged that during June/July 2006 2007 to raping the same woman near Port Elizabeth Central.

Accused no 2
Nigerian no. 2 stands accused during the period 2007 on many different occasions at Port Elizabeth he did unlawfully and intentionally have sexual intercourse with a child of approximately between 13 years without her consent.

Additionally accused No. 2 is alleged to have been unlawfully living on earnings of prostitution from two minor girls during the period 2006 to June 2007 in Port Elizabeth.

He is accused of dealing in dangerous dependence producing substances, by supplying rock cocaine on a daily basis during 2006 to 2007 at or near Central, Port Elizabeth. Accused No. 2 faces a second charge of dealing intentionally with dependence producing drugs from the period April or May 2008 in or near Port Elizabeth.

He and accused 6 are charged with contravention of section 71 (1) of Act 32 of 2007 to with trafficking in persons in that upon or about Accused did knowingly and unlawfully traffic an adult female without her consent from Port Elizabeth to Bloemfontein for the purpose of sexual exploitation did knowingly and unlawfully traffic an adult female without her consent from Port Elizabeth to Bloemfontein for the purpose of sexual exploitation

Accused no 1
Nigerian no.1 stands accused over the period 2007-2008 on diverse occasions at or near the Maitland Hotel in the district Bloemfontein; he did unlawfully and intentionally have sexual intercourse with a child of approximately between 13 or 14 years without her consent.

Accused no.1 stands accused 0t two counts of contravening section 17(1) sexual exploitation of a child in that over the period 16 December 2007 to the end 2008 on numerous occasions at or near Maitland Hotel, Bloemfontein in the Free State, he did unlawfully and intentionally engage the services of a child complainant who was approximately 13 years at the time, with or with her consent for financial reward, favour compensation to her or a third party by committing a sexual act with her.

Accused no.1 On or about the period 16 December 2007 to end 2008 on numerous occasions at or near the Maitland Hotel Bloemfontein intentionally engaged the services of a child who was approximately 15 years at the time with or also stands accused of 2 counts of contravening section 17(2) of being involved in the sexual without her consent for financial reward, favour or compensation to her or to a third party by committing a exploitation of a child of 13 and 15 years with her.

Accused no.1 also stands accused of two counts of contravening section 17(2) of being involved in sexual exploitation of a child of 13 and 15 years On or about the period 16 December 2007 to end 2008 on numerous occasions at or near the Maitland Hotel Bloemfontein did unlawfully and intentionally offer the services of a child complainant who was approximately 13 and 15 years years at the time, to a third person and other unknown or unidentified third persons, with compensation to himself, and other unknown persons;

For the purpose of the commission of a sexual act with the child to allow others to commit sexual act with her.
By inviting persuading or inducing the child to allow others to commit a sexual act with her.
By participating in and facilitating commission of a sexual act with a child
By making the child available to other unknown persons for sexual acts.
By detaining, whether under threat, force, coercion, deception, abuse of power or authority for purposes of commission of sexual acts other unknown and unidentified persons.

Accused no.1 is charged with two counts of contravening section 17(4) to wit benefiting from the sexual exploitation of a child. On or about the period 16 December 2007 to end 2008 on numerous occasions at or near the Maitland Hotel Bloemfontein did unlawfully and intentionally offer the services of a child complainant who was approximately 13 years at the time, to a third person and other unknown or unidentified third persons, with compensation to himself, and other unknown persons;

Accused no.1 On or about the period 16 December 2007 to end 2008 on numerous occasions at or near the Maitland Hotel Bloemfontein did unlawfully and intentionally offer the services of a child complainant who was approximately 15 years at the time, to a third person and other unknown or unidentified third persons, with compensation to himself, and other unknown persons;

Additionally accused No.1 is alleged to have been living on earnings of prostitution of a two minor girls aged 13 and 15 years from approximately June 2007 to 16 December 2007 at or near Maitland Hotel Bloemfontein additionally accused 1 is charged for living off the proceeds of prostitution of two minor girls in Bloemfontein for the period 16 December 2007 to end of 2008. Accused 1 is also charged with contravening section 55 of Act 23 of 1975 to wit attempt, conspiracy, incitement, or inducing another to commit a sexual offence with an adult woman over a period from 2008 to December 2009

Additionally accused No.1 is alleged over a period from approximately July 2007 to 2009 at or near. Maitland Hotel Bloemfontein did intentionally and unlawfully deal in dangerous dependence producing substances by supplying rocks cocaine on a daily basis to 3 different women.

Accused no 6
He accused 2 and accused 6 are charged with a contravention of section 71(1) of Act 32 of 2007 to with trafficking in persons in that upon or about April or May 2008 in or near Port Elizabeth Central did knowingly and unlawfully traffic an adult female without her consent from Port Elizabeth to Bloemfontein for the purpose of sexual exploitation

Additionally accused No. 6 is alleged over a period from approximately April/ May 2008 - 2009 to 2009 at or near Maitland Hotel Bloemfontein did intentionally and unlawfully deal in dangerous dependence producing substances by supplying rocks cocaine on a daily basis to an adult woman.
There are a total of 34 counts against the six accused.

This is the heartbreaking and tragic story of innocence ripped out of the soul of young girls. We must stamp out Human Trafficking - a global scourge challenging this generation.

John Preller
Fax: 086 6661145
Cell: 084 446 7137
E-mail: jpreller[AT]telkomsa.net

www.MyPE.co.za: John Preller is chairman of the Humewood Community Police Forum and is a very involved and pro-active member of the Port Elizabeth community.

The case against Human Slavery and prostitution - decriminalizing prostitution in South Africa

“We will either find a way, or make one”
Hannibal 247 – 183 B.C. Carthaginian General

BET SHEEKOOM is an NGO in the field of providing an alternative lifestyle through nurturing, counseling, training in life skills and job skills education that restore dignity, self-esteem and respect to women and children in crisis and prostitution, we have noted with great concern the call to decriminalize prostitution and must raise our collective voice objecting in the strongest possible terms against this proposed legal exploitation and ultimate slavery of women and children.

Firstly, prostitution is recognized as a sin by the adherents of the three major faith groups living in South Africa that make up at least 90% of the population, secondly it is social discrimination at its worst, Thirdly it promotes the World's oldest oppression that stems from the world's most ancient inequality the discrimination and abuse of women and children, fourthly as 1 in 5 South Africans are infected with HIV/AIDS and that an estimated 70% of prostitutes are infected, legalising prostitution will lead to an increase in HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Judging from research published by the International Organisation for Migration the countries that have legalized prostitution have become magnets for human trafficking and associated crimes including drug dealing, child pornography child molestation, child prostitution and violence. Legalizing prostitution is a failed experiment it ignores the underlying social inequities that create it.

The Government becomes the legal pimp controlling prostitution and a receiver of the legal taxable revenues while turning a blind eye to the money laundering, corruption and undeclared profits from organised crime.

Our organisation will be lobbying a detailed submission to the SA Law Reform Commission on its recently released discussion paper on adult prostitution, and encouraged all like minded orgainsations, NGO's, groups and individuals to do the same.

The Times (Thursday, 4 June 2009) reported that members of the public have sent in 30 submissions so far, this is shocking when we consider that the life changing legislation of legalising prostitution is about to be legislated.

The South African law Reform commission is inviting South Africans to express their views through public workshops this month and invites submissions before June 30. Thereafter you will be allowed to buy a woman or youth as easily as buying a loaf of bread.

Don't turn a blind eye and deaf ear to this degrading and immoral proposal! There is not much time left to raise your voice and object. We deserve what we tolerate!

The network against Child labour reports that over 40,000 children under the age of 18 are trapped in child prostitution, legalising prostitution will increase that figure by hundreds of thousands as more children escaping poverty are lured onto the streets. Human traffickers and unscrupulous criminals will take advantage of these vulnerable youths.

It is reported that more than 800,000 humans are trafficked across National borders every year, this figure does not include people trafficked within our borders. Most are going to be sexually exploited.

International trends support the clamping down of prostitution due to the explosion of sexual abuse crimes involving minors, Drug dealing, organised Crime, Human Trafficking, money laundering and corruption at all levels of society.

Countries that are leading the way against legalising prostitution include the Netherlands, (Amsterdam) the UK, Sweden and Norway. These countries in earlier times had a soft approach to prostitution and have clearly learned hard lessons that have translated into legal actions to prevent prostitution.

Bet Sheekoom has treated, cared for and rehabilitated over 79 women and children in crisis and prostitution, including 55 women we have enrolled in educational institutions providing a range of courses from accounting, matric and other seta approved subjects that have improved career opportunities instrumental in uplifting these victims of prostitution to achieve their potential and become reunited with their families and the community.

Before judging the victims of prostitution, it must be pointed out that many of these women were coerced through threats or driven to drugs and alcohol as a means of controlling them.

The pimps control their victims by withholdings drugs or through sadistic beatings other forms of torture are using cigarettes to burn the woman on her back or other unseen body parts. As a last resort her pimp will sell the hapless victim to another pimp, usually for less than R3,000.

It is clear from the daily interactions with these victims that the majority of women want to change away from prostitution and enjoy a different and better lifestyle for themselves and their children.

Let me conclude this submission against Human slavery and prostitution – the case against decriminalizing prostitution, by quoting a young victim of slavery and prostitution who recently graduated from a SETA approved course arranged through Bet Sheekoom. She is one of the many who have been empowered and delivered from the slavery of prostitution; "Thank you for believing in me". She now works in an honest job and is a respected member of her community.

Doctors for life International report "In 2002 a group of prostitutes and a pimp challenged the criminalization of prostitution in the constitutional court. DFL made a submission to the constitutional Court on behalf of the State. The submission contained expert evidence by a number of international experts opposed to prostitution. The Constitutional Court upheld the laws criminalizing prostitution."

DFL is not aware of any discussions happening in parliament about prostitution yet. But the World Cup gives these proposals a sense of urgency, and opens up the discussion on prostitution, which is exactly what they are intended to do.

There are four main ways that prostitution is dealt with by governments:

1. Criminalization is the position held by DFL and should be the position of all Christians. It sends a clear message to the public that prostitution is unacceptable under any circumstances and will not be tolerated. At the same time we should show compassion towards the prostitute. There are reasons why people end up in prostitution, often very sad ones, such as childhood physical and sexual abuse, broken homes and addictions.

2. Partial Criminalization is where the buyer of the services of a prostitute is guilty of a crime but the prostitute is not. This model is based on the principle that the prostitute is a victim. The prostitute can just keep on re-offending. This is an unhealthy situation.

3. Decriminalization removes all laws on prostitution. It sends out a message that prostitution is a normal and acceptable way of earning a living. It also creates a situation where pimps and traffickers can operate freely. This is a bad situation.

4. Legalization basically means that the state regulates prostitution and becomes the pimp, hiring out its most vulnerable citizens for profit. It is absolutely unacceptable.

If prostitution is legalized or decriminalized it will require an act of parliament. If this happens it's almost impossible that it will be reversed in the future. 2010 could be used as an excuse to change the prostitution laws in SA for keeps. The legalization or decriminalization of prostitution in South Africa would be an open door for pimps and traffickers to ply their evil trade. South Africa has an official unemployment rate of 37%. The temptation of earning dollars and euros will corrupt the moral fiber of the youth.

John Preller
Fax: 086 6661145
Cell: 084 446 7137
E-mail: jpreller[AT]telkomsa.net

In order to comment on the proposals by the South African Law Reform Commission you will need to download this pdf: Worksheet for discussion paper on adult prostitution.

To take part in the workshop being held in Port Elizabeth on 30 June 2009, download this pdf: Invitation to attend a workshop on 'Sexual offences: Adult prostitution'.

Comment from the SA Law Reform Commission:

"Contrary to some media reports the SA Law Reform Commission is not proposing legalizing of prostitution. The Commission published a Discussion Paper on Sexual Offences: Adult Prostitution on the 6th May 2009. This Discussion Paper forms part of the larger investigation into Sexual Offences which started in 1997. In the paper we pose a number of questions and the primary aim of the paper is to determine what the role of the law should be in respect of adult prostitution. The secondary aim is to correct the fragmentation of the law in respect of sexual offences (we currently have the new Act of 2007 and the old 1957 Act which only contains sections relevant to adult prostitution). We have already recommended the severe penalization of child prostitution in our Report of 2002 – the crime of child sexual exploitation was then included in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment) Act 32 of 2007."

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