The uMhlanga couple facing charges related to the running of a brothel and human trafficking on Thursday briefly shared the dock, for the first time since their arrest, with their three co-accused in the Durban Magistrate’s Court.
Dr Genchen Rugnath and his wife, Ravina, appeared with Sandile Zweni, 37, Nduduzo Dlamini, 23, and Bhabha Dubazani, 29.
The bail conditions of the couple were relaxed at the request of the State.
The couple, who the State claims are the owners of the Inn Town Holiday Lodge, which had allegedly been operating as a brothel, had been charged with more than 60 counts in connection with human trafficking, operating a brothel, facilitating prostitution and accepting the proceeds of unlawful activities (including dealing in drugs).
Rugnath and his wife, who were arrested in March, are out on bail of R30 000 each.
It is alleged the couple were closely involved in running and managing the building, as they were allegedly there daily.
Their co-accused, who were arrested in February in a police raid, face several charges related to keeping a brothel, living on the earnings of prostitution, kidnapping, money laundering, dealing in drugs and 18 counts relating to human trafficking.
All the accused have not yet pleaded to the charges. The court had previously heard that 16 girls and young women were rescued from the lodge during the raid on February 1.
The matter was adjourned to June 29. - Daily News