The trial of Apostle Hlumelo Dywili (35) is due to commence at the Bizana High Court on Monday, August 15. Dywili was arrested in August last year on charges of trafficking.
According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, Dywili was arrested by members of the South African Police Service in Bizana and the case was referred to the East London based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks for extensive probing.
The investigation revealed that four of the victims were aged between 20 and 24.
“Dywili is said to have allegedly used his Facebook account to lure the victims under the false pretense that he was going to offer them jobs. One of the victims travelled from Cape Town, while the other was fetched by the Apostle from Mthatha, with a promise of a job at the Apostle’s church. Both victims were allegedly repeatedly raped on the same day,” said Mgolodela.
“Dywili made a number of attempts for bail application, but later abandoned his bail opting to remain in custody awaiting his trial.”
Mgolodela confirmed that the trial continues today, Tuesday, August 16 and Dywili is expected to be represented by a new legal team.
