Prostitutes Grahamstown

The prostitution industry in Grahamstown dates back to the 1820s. The authorities regulated brothels until the 1860s when the police began to raid prostitutes.

Regulation and Policing

The police were expected to prevent prostitution but they turned a blind eye and brothels were tolerated. Brothels were located in the centre of town and on the outskirts of the town.

Contagious Diseases Act

The Contagious Diseases Act was passed in 1868. This act was passed in an attempt to regulate prostitution and to protect men from venereal disease. The Resident Magistrate in 1875 described prostitution as the evil is one which it is impossible to get rid of. He went on to say that the only thing to do was to mitigate its effects. The Act made prostitution a profitable venture.

20th Century Enforcement

The attitude of the Grahamstown police towards prostitution changed in the 20th century. They became more strict and began to arrest prostitutes. However, the police still turned a blind eye to brothels as long as the prostitutes did not solicit in public.

*TAGS* – regulated brothels, police raids on prostitutes, soliciting in public