Xamdeboo farmer convicted of human trafficking, rape and assault of workers

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured the conviction of 42-year-old Xamdeboo (formerly Aberdeen) farmer Louis Stephanus Lategan on multiple charges relating to human trafficking, rape and the assault of employees.

Lategan was convicted in the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Makhanda on six counts of trafficking in persons, five counts of rape, two counts of assault as competent verdicts on rape charges, three counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to children, two counts of common assault against adult workers and one count of assaulting a child.

He was also convicted on two counts of unlawful possession of more than 200 rounds of ammunition.

The charges arose from incidents on Lategan's remote farm between 2020 and 2023. The NPA said he allegedly lured young women to the farm after advertising employment opportunities as au pairs, but intended to sexually exploit them.

Evidence presented during the trial showed that Lategan, who lived alone on the farm after separating from his wife, initially advertised on Facebook for an au pair to care for his minor children when they visited.

He later used an employment agency to recruit young women.

The complainants, aged between 18 and 21, came from Bloemfontein, Emalahleni, Standerton and Amanzimtoti. They were promised payments ranging from R5 000 to R30 000.

According to the evidence, Lategan made some of the women consume alcohol or drinks allegedly laced with drugs that caused extreme drowsiness. Some later woke up naked with pain in their genital areas.

Prosecution-led investigations that began in 2023 also uncovered allegations of physical abuse of workers. The NPA said some employees were assaulted with a broomstick and sjambok, kicked and pushed into water.

The trial lasted more than 18 months, with Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Nickie Turner leading evidence from 24 witnesses.

Lategan pleaded not guilty, called four defence witnesses and testified in his own defence.

He was acquitted on one rape count because the child complainant did not testify.

The case has been postponed to 21 September 2026 for sentencing proceedings.

The NPA said the conviction forms part of its efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide and ensure that victims receive justice through the criminal justice system.