The Hawks arrested a teacher who is allegedly linked to human trafficking in East London on Wednesday. Image: Supplied.
(The Post News)- The 52-year-old Eastern Cape educator, Vuyokazi Gana, who was arrested on suspicion of sexual exploitation and human trafficking was formally identified on Thursday when she appeared in the East London Magistrate’s Court.
Gana was arrested on Wednesday at her place of employment and is accused of sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and operating an illegal brothel. She has been placed in custody as a result of the court hearings, and her formal bail application is set for the following week, October 23, 2025.
Education Department Distances Itself
The alleged behavior was strongly rejected by Eastern Cape Department of Education Head of Department Sharon Maasdorp, who said it “violates human rights and tarnishes the reputation of the department.”
“Human trafficking and sexual exploitation of young girls are banned in this country. Therefore, this behavior puts the name of the department into disrepute,” Maasdorp said. “Such conduct leads to someone being declared not fit to work in an environment where there are children.”
Maasdorp explained that Gana would face harsh legal repercussions if found guilty. If she is found guilty, her name is to be added to the Sexual Offences Register in accordance with the Sexual Offences Amendment Act (Act No. 32 of 2007). She clarified that she would be unable to work anywhere in South Africa when her name was listed in such a record.
Meanwhile, three educators have already been fired in accordance with this law, and the department has pledged to terminate the employment of any person named on the record. The Eastern Cape Department of Education Head of Department will also refer the matter to the educator’s professional body, the South African Council for Educators (SACE), for action regarding the breach of prescribed professional conduct.
Details of Gana’s Recruitment and Exploitation
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana confirmed that investigations, which began in September 2023, revealed Gana allegedly recruited young women from rural areas, including Qumbu, Mthatha, and Ngqeleni.
The victims were reportedly transported to East London and housed at Gana’s residence, where they were “coerced into prostitution.” The suspect allegedly profited by charging the victims’ accommodation fees ranging between R250 and R300 per night and either personally collected or directed the transfer of funds through her bank account.
Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, the Provincial Head of Hawks, commended the investigative team and emphasized the unit’s dedication to breaking up organized crime networks that prey on weaker members of society.
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