Sophiatown informal settlement in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni,, South Africa
The parents of this 13 year old girl sold her to a 24 year old. She was originally from Maputo, Mozambique. Apparently, he paid ilobolo for her. He would lock her up all day while he went to work. Here is what the article has to say: The girl told how her "husband" was very strict. "He locks me in the house all day. I am not allowed to go outside and speak to other people. If he sees me with someone else he beats me." "He promises to let me call my parents back home but never keeps his word," she said. He also prevented her from seeking help by bribing her with food, clothes and money. She said she wanted to go back home and return to school. She was in Grade 4 when she left.
Location
South Africa · Sophiatown informal settlement in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni, · 2010 (location generalized to protect survivors)
Response & intervention
Here is what the article says about the police's further involvement: Rabie Ridge police spokesperson Joyce Setshedi confirmed that a case of statutory rape was opened yesterday. "Once the suspect is arrested, a full investigation will be instituted and the perpetrator will be brought to book," Setshedi said. She said the minor did not have proper documents. Last night, the man confirmed that the girl was his wife. He insisted that she was 21. The police have opened a case of statutory rape against the man for marrying a minor.
A nieghbor noticed that the girl was being locked in the house all day and tipped off the police. The girl was then rescued by the police who then took her to a hospital for a check up.
We know that she was brought to a hospital for a check up. The article doesn't say anything further than that.
Documented on the original SlaveryMap (2008–2016). We don't have a verifiable source on file yet — use “Report a problem” below to add one.