Bus conductor in court for sex slavery trafficking

A conductor employed by the prominent bus company Rimbi Tours has been arrested for allegedly trafficking a 16-year-old girl to Cape Town and selling her into sex slavery.

Levie Tsongo, 37, of Kuwadzana in Harare, appeared briefly before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi and was released on US$100 bail.

Tsongo is a conductor for a Rimbi Tours bus that operates on the Harare-Cape Town route.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, on May 22, 2024, Tsongo, in collaboration with an individual named Simba in Cape Town, South Africa, and others who remain at large, conspired to traffic the girl for sexual exploitation.

"To execute their plan, Tsongo identified and transported the victim from Murewa to Cape Town," said prosecutor Thomas Chanakira.

Tsongo ensured the victim reached the intended destination and handed her over to Simba.

Tsongo was given US$20 for the girl's bus fare, which was sent via a money transfer service.

"Upon arrival in Cape Town, the victim was received by Simba, who took her to his residence as his wife. She was subjected to sexual exploitation and confined indoors, denying her freedom of movement," Chanakira stated.

The victim is still residing with Simba.