A 52-year-old deputy principal, Vuyokazi Gana, has been remanded in custody after her bail application was denied in the East London Magistrate’s Court. Gana faces serious charges including sexual exploitation, trafficking in persons, and operating an illegal brothel.
The court found that releasing Gana on bail could potentially endanger witnesses, with the case having cast a pall of fear over the community. The atmosphere is so tense that local non-governmental organizations have been reportedly hesitant to speak publicly on the matter.
Gana was arrested on October 15. In a bail application submitted last week, she cited poor health as the primary reason for her release. In an affidavit, she listed conditions including cholesterol, hypertension, anxiety, and diabetes mellitus, arguing that she requires medical attention that she cannot receive in prison.
The state, however, strongly opposed the application. The investigating officer, identified in court as Officer Nam, was called to the stand. Nam read multiple victim statements to the court, including one that detailed how a 16-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted, raped, and thrown out of a window. The officer testified that Gana, who is commonly known as “Mamzo,” showed no empathy and did not offer to help the victim following the incident.
In delivering the judgment, the magistrate found that Gana had failed to prove “exceptional circumstances” related to her illnesses. The court also noted a lack of proof that she would be denied necessary medical attention while in custody.
A spokesperson for the Hawks, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision.
“We are very happy and enthusiastic about the decision that the accused was successfully denied bail,” the spokesperson said. “As the Hawks, we have successfully opposed the bail knowing that we’ve got a very strong case against the accused.”
Vuyokazi Gana will remain in custody until her next court appearance, which is scheduled for November 28 for further investigation.
