The police have rescued 90 people believed to be victims of a human trafficking ring. The SAPS said the victims were living under inhumane conditions in Sunnydale Ridge, Johannesburg.
THE POLICE have rescued 90 people believed to be victims of a human trafficking ring.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force (STF) unit said the undocumented nationals were allegedly kept against their will.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the victims were living under inhumane conditions in Sunnydale Ridge, Johannesburg.
“A multidisciplinary team led by the STF were tracing a victim of kidnapping for ransom when they they also made the discovery of the undocumented nationals who were found locked up, confined and packed into rooms.
“Investigations are under way as to how these nationals were trafficked into SA,” said Mathe.
She added that among the Ethiopian nationals was the kidnap victim, who was also rescued.
“The victim was kidnapped in Benoni on Tuesday afternoon, where after his kidnappers immediately started demanding hundreds of thousands of rand of ransom money from his family.”
The police said the Ethiopian nationals were all taken to hospital for medical care.
“Two alleged human traffickers and kidnappers who were found on the property have been arrested.
“They are likely to face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking and are expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court soon.”
The case has been handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (known as the Hawks) for further investigations.
