New details have emerged in the case involving an attorney accused of being a regular client of a mother who allegedly exploited and sold access to her minor children.
The attorney, identified as Carel Schoeman, has reportedly told the court that he did not know one of the girls was 13 years old and believed she was 19.
According to evidence presented in court, Schoeman allegedly made several payments linked to the matter. One payment of R25,000 reportedly included the reference “Lobola”, a detail that has attracted significant attention during the proceedings.
Schoeman is facing 26 charges, including allegations related to rape and human trafficking.
The charges form part of a wider case involving a mother accused of exploiting her young daughters and allegedly arranging encounters with men in exchange for money.
Prosecutors allege that Schoeman was a regular client. However, he maintains that he was unaware of the victim’s true age.
The case has sparked outrage across South Africa, with child protection activists calling for harsh penalties if the accused are found guilty.
The court is expected to continue hearing evidence as prosecutors seek to establish the extent of the alleged exploitation network and the role played by each accused person.
It is important to note that the allegations remain before the court, and all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
