Three suspects that were arrested for their alleged involvement in a human trafficking ring, where 26 victims were rescued on Thursday, have been furnished with additional charges.The police also discovered that three of the victims were not abducted but came to South Africa willingly.

CHARGES

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase said the suspects now face charges of trafficking in persons, kidnapping, extortion and contravention of the Immigration Act. 

"The suspects were arrested on Thursday, 9 January 2025, after a tip-off led the joint police team to a house in Sandringham, where 26 Ethiopian nationals were held captive. Further investigations revealed that one of the victims, was identified as a victim of a kidnapping case reported in Benoni in November 2024. The suspects allegedly demanded a ransom of R180,000,"said Nkwalase.

THEY WERE WILLING

Nkwalase said continuing with their investigations, three more victims were interviewed with the help of an Ethiopian interpreter who said the victims confirmed being brought to South Africa willingly.

"The interpreter will be aided by three additional interpreters from the Ethiopian Embassy to complete the statement-taking process tomorrow.The suspects will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court tomorrow to face charges related to the Benoni kidnapping case. Additional charges of human trafficking or smuggling will be finalised after all victims have been interviewed,"he said.