Johannesburg — The South African Police Services (SAPS), Gauteng Hawks, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and a private security company conducted a joint operation to dismantle a human trafficking ring in Johannesburg.
In a statement, police revealed that it had dismantled a human trafficking ring on Thursday evening at a residence on Luster Road in Sandringham.
“Upon arrival, they found 15 naked individuals, suspected to be Ethiopian nationals held captive inside the house. Other 11 victims were transported to the hospital for medical treatment,” Police spokesperson, Philani Nkwalase said.
Nkwalase added that the investigation by the joint team found that the victims broke a window and burglar bar open and escaped. Some were rounded up in the area of the crime scene, while others escaped.
A suspected human trafficking ring has been uncovered in Eastern Johannesburg, rescuing 26 Ethiopian nationals and leading to three arrests. The Hawks acted on a tip-off about suspicious activity at a house in Sandringham last night. Authorities found the victims, some unclothed,… pic.twitter.com/mcS1gVz0XV
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 10, 2025
“Further investigation led to the arrest of three suspects, who were allegedly involved in human trafficking and illegal possession of a firearm. The suspects were found with a 9mm P Tokarev pistol, one magazine, and no ammunition,” Nkwalase added.
The matter was referred to the Gauteng Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation for more exploration and the 26 undocumented individuals are being processed to determine their status as victims of human trafficking.
According to Sandringham Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson, Daniel Venter, the community was surprised to discover the human trafficking operation inside a house that had never raised suspicion, Newzroom Afrika reported.
“We were surprised because this house has never been an issue in any manner. We received a call from one residence that there was a break-in in progress, an armed robbery. We found chaos when we arrived. Everybody was running, and people were naked, to our surprise. We caught a couple of guys in neighbours yards,” Venter said.
He said the neighbours were shocked by the discovery and he said CPF found that it was a pattern that was starting to build. He revealed that 90 people were found in the first incident.
Sandringham CPF Chairperson Daniel Venter says the community was shocked to discover a human trafficking operation in a house that had never raised suspicion. Venter explains to #Newzroom405 @NqobileMadlala_ that they were called about a break-in, but upon arrival, they found… pic.twitter.com/3alS8wBeyj
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 10, 2025
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
