East London teacher arrested for human trafficking and prostitution

Zuko Komisa

Vuyokazi Gana, a 52-year-old East London teacher, was arrested by the Hawks for allegedly running a sophisticated human trafficking and prostitution ring.
She is accused of luring young women from the Transkei region and forcing them into sex work at her East London home, profiting through accommodation fees and direct payments.
Gana appeared in court and remains in custody, with her bail application scheduled for 23 October 2025.

A 52-year-old East London teacher, Vuyokazi Gana, has been arrested by the Hawks on serious charges relating to human trafficking and running a prostitution ring. Gana, who remains in custody, was apprehended on 15 October 2025 by the elite Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit following a detailed, long-term investigation.

The probe, which commenced in September 2023, focused on allegations that Gana had been luring young women from the former Transkei region and forcing them into sex work in East London. According to investigators, the accused allegedly targeted vulnerable women from towns including Qumbu, Mthatha, and Ngqeleni.

The women were reportedly transported to East London and kept at the teacher’s residence. There, it is alleged they were coerced into prostitution. Preliminary findings indicate that the victims were engaging in sex with clients, with payments for their services allegedly funnelled through Gana.

Investigators further claim that the teacher profited significantly from the illegal operation by charging the victims nightly ‘accommodation fees’, which ranged from R250 to R300, and having client payments directed into her personal bank account.

Gana was arrested at her place of work in East London after an arrest warrant was issued. She appeared before the East London Magistrate’s Court on 16 October 2025. Her case has been postponed until 23 October, when she is expected to make a formal bail application.