Man handed five life terms for human trafficking, rape

Peter Akadoronge (37) was sentenced on Wednesday.

Akadoronge was earlier convicted on three counts of human trafficking, two counts of rape that happened more than once and one count of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane says three women in search of employment were approached by three men in Thohoyandou in November 2017.

“One of the ladies suggested that they go to a nearby night club to discuss the offer of employment. The men bought drinks for them and upon consuming these drinks, they became unconscious and after regaining consciousness, they realised that they were at an unknown place.

“They testified that they found themselves in a room with two unknown ladies. The room had no windows, except for one mattress that was on the floor. The two ladies informed them that they were in Rosettenville, Johannesburg,” Mjonondwane explains.

Mjonondwane says the women were subsequently raped on multiple occasions.  

They managed to escape in May 2018.

“All men were arrested but later released, except for Akadoronge. He remained in custody until the finalisation of his case,” says Mjonondwane.

During sentencing proceedings, state advocate Colleen Ryan argued that Akadoronge, who is a Nigerian national, came as a visitor in South Africa and chose to disregard the laws of the country.

 “She further argued that he left his victims with both emotional and physical scars,” says Mjonondwane.

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