South African court sentences two Nigerian women and a local accomplice for running a human trafficking brothel in George, Western Cape.
In a shocking development, a South African court has sentenced two Nigerian women and their local accomplice to prison for running a brothel linked to human trafficking in George, Western Cape Province.
The sentencing, which took place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Plettenberg Bay Regional Court, follows months of investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and the Department of Home Affairs.
According to officials, the convicted trio — Patience Precious Abudu (35), Success Egabor (42), and Nontobeko Mathunjwa (36) — pleaded guilty to charges including running a brothel, living off prostitution earnings, and violating South Africa’s immigration laws.
How the Case Unfolded
This case began in December 2023 when two Nigerian girls were rescued from a George-based brothel during a raid led by Hawks operatives. Investigators later discovered the girls had been trafficked into South Africa, sparking a larger probe into organized trafficking networks.
The three suspects were arrested between December 2023 and May 2024 and remained in custody until their sentencing.
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The Sentences
Patience Precious Abudu was fined R6,000 or three years imprisonment for living off prostitution earnings; R6,000 or three years for running a brothel; and R1,000 or six months for immigration violations. She must also pay R20,000 compensation to each victim.
Success Egabor received identical fines and prison terms but was ordered to pay R17,000 in compensation to one victim.
Nontobeko Mathunjwa, the South African accomplice, was fined R6,000 or three years imprisonment for living off prostitution earnings; R1,000 or six months for running a brothel; and must pay R18,000 in compensation to a victim.
Although several severe charges — including trafficking in persons and debt bondage — were withdrawn, the court ordered that Abudu and Egabor be deported to Nigeria after serving their sentences or paying fines.
Authorities React
Speaking after the verdict, Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani said the case highlights South Africa’s zero tolerance for human trafficking.
