A group of Ethiopians were rescued by law enforcement authorities at a house in Sandringham, Johannesburg, in a suspected human trafficking ring this morning. In a collaborative operation involving the police, Hawks, JMPD and a private security firm, three suspects believed to be connected to a human trafficking syndicate were apprehended. The suspects were found with a 9mm P Tokarev pistol, one magazine and no ammunition.

TIP-OFF BY NEIGHBOURS 

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase said police responded to a tip-off from neighbours complaining about unsettling activities at a house on Luster Road. Upon arrival, they found 15 naked individuals, suspected to be Ethiopian nationals, held captive inside the home. Other eleven (11) victims were transported to the hospital for medical treatment," said Nkwalase.

SOME ESCAPED THROUGH THE WINDOW 

Nkwalase said the preliminary investigations by the joint teams uncovered that some victims escaped through a window they broke and a burglar bar. "Few were rounded up in the area close to the crime scene while others escaped. The matter was referred to the Gauteng Hawks' serious organised crime investigation for further exploration, and the 26 undocumented individuals are currently being processed to determine their status as trafficking victims," he said. The authorities have urged the public to report any person seen without wearing clothes in the area as they may be linked to the incident.