Alleged NW brothel owner to spend New Year's behind bars

Charles Chukwukere Okopie appeared in the local Magistrate's Court yesterday - on charges of human trafficking. 

He allegedly owns a brothel where 26 women, including young girls, were found during a raid by the Hawks earlier this month. 

Okopie was arrested after one of the women claimed that he was one of the people who ran the brothel. 

The women have since been moved to a place of safety where they are receiving counselling and rehabilitation, as many of them were under the influence of drugs and other substances.

Hawks spokesperson, Tlangelani Rikhotso says the case was postponed to next year.

"The suspect appeared in court yesterday for a bail application. The case was postponed to January 9, 2017 - where he will be appearing again for a further bail application," she said.