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Police Probe Human Trafficking After 32 Foreign Nationals Escape Captivity in Johannesburg
Gauteng police are investigating a possible human trafficking operation after 32 Ethiopian nationals, including a 13-year-old, broke free from captivity in a house in Lombardy East, Johannesburg.
The dramatic escape unfolded when neighbours heard loud banging and glass breaking, prompting them to call security guards, who then alerted authorities. Upon arrival, police discovered that the group had forced their way out of the locked property.
According to police, the victims were brought to South Africa under false pretenses, believing they would secure employment and a better future. Instead, they were held against their will in the Lombardy East residence.
Provincial police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed that all 32 individuals are Ethiopian nationals. “Preliminary investigations led us to the house, where we found evidence of forced entry. The victims were held captive, some for almost a year,” Masondo said.
No arrests have been made yet, and police are still searching for the property owner. Investigators are also working to determine how the victims entered the country and who is responsible for their captivity.
“This is not the first case of its kind in this area,” Masondo added. “We will collaborate with the Border Management Authority (BMA) to address the issue, as some of the victims are minors who should not have been able to enter South Africa illegally.”
Police have assured the public that efforts are underway to dismantle human trafficking networks and prevent further exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
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Sourced:SABC News
