Sentencing for the Milnerton trio convicted of trafficking women into the Western Cape has been postponed due to pending reports.
Also read: ‘Milnerton Trio’ convicted in human trafficking case after decade-long trial
Cameroonian cousins Edward and Yannick Ayuk, along with Edward’s wife, Leandre Williams, appeared in the Western Cape High Court on Friday.
Last month, they were found guilty by Judge Alma de Wet.
The trio faced over 40 charges, including rape, kidnapping, assault and other offences related to operating a brothel in Milnerton.
They were accused of trafficking women from Springbok and the Eastern Cape, making this the largest human trafficking case in a local court.
Judge De Wet’s judgement highlighted the extensive trial record, exceeding 6 000 pages, and the harrowing testimonies of the victims.
The trial, which began in November 2021, included testimonies from women who described drug abuse, beatings and working on the streets of Cape Town.
Williams testified in her defence, denying the trafficking accusations. After the State rested its case, defence lawyer Advocate Bash Sibda successfully argued for the acquittal of 27 charges against Yannick.
Edward Ayuk was found guilty on 22 charges, including human trafficking, using the services of trafficked persons, living off the earnings of prostitution, kidnapping, and drug-related offences. He was acquitted of rape and debt bondage charges.
Williams was convicted on three counts of human trafficking but acquitted of debt bondage, kidnapping, assault and using the services of trafficked persons.
Yannick Ayuk was found guilty on 12 charges, including human trafficking, using the services of a trafficked person, living off the earnings of prostitution, and three counts of kidnapping. He was acquitted of debt bondage and assault charges.
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Picture: Roger Sedres / Gallo Images