Johannesburg – At least 15 victims of human trafficking, found naked and crammed in a house in Sandringham, Johannesburg, have been rescued by a team of law enforcers.
Narrating events leading to the rescue, Hawks Spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase said the law enforcers included SA Police Service officers from Sandringham, Gauteng Hawks, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), and a private security company.
“On Thursday, (9 January 2025), at about 21:00, authorities responded to a tip-off from neighbours about suspicious activities at a residence on Luster Road, Sandringham,” recalled Colonel Nkwalase.
“Upon arrival, they found 15 naked individuals, suspected to be Ethiopian nationals held captive inside the house.
“Eleven other victims were transported to a hospital for medical treatment.”
Colonel Nkwalase said preliminary investigations by the joint team revealed that the victims smashed a window and broke burglar bars in a bid to escape.
Some of them managed to escape, however, several were rounded up in the area close to the house, where they had been held captive.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of three suspects, who were allegedly involved in human trafficking and illegal possession of a firearm,” said Colonel Nkwalase.
“The suspects were found with a 9 mm P Tokarev pistol, one empty magazine.”
The matter was referred to the Gauteng Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further exploration.
All in all 26 undocumented individuals were being processed to determine their status as possible human trafficking victims.
“The public is urged to report to the authorities any person seen without wearing clothes in the area as they may be linked to the incident,” said Colonel Nkwalase.
