By : Lloyd Mahachi
South African police have rescued 26 Ethiopians from a suspected human trafficking ring in Johannesburg. The victims were being held captive in a house in the Sandringham suburb, from which they escaped by breaking a window and burglar bar. This daring escape was made possible by the victims’ determination to regain their freedom.
The incident occurred on Thursday night after neighbors heard the commotion and tipped off the police. The Hawks serious crime unit responded to the call and found 15 naked individuals, suspected to be victims of human trafficking. The police were shocked by the scene that unfolded before them, with the victims showing signs of physical and emotional trauma.
A total of 26 Ethiopians were rescued, while about 60 Ethiopian men were reportedly held captive in the bungalow. The police are still searching for the remaining victims, who may have fled the scene or be hiding in fear. The rescue operation was a complex one, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure the safety of the victims.
Police said 11 people were taken to hospital for medical treatment, and a number of the Ethiopians have still not been picked up by police. The police spokesperson, Philani Nkwalase, stated that the signs indicate this is a human trafficking matter, as the victims were kept naked, apparently to humiliate them and prevent escape. This tactic is often used by human traffickers to break the spirits of their victims and maintain control over them.
South Africa has been a destination for immigrants from across Africa since the end of apartheid. However, this has also led to concerns about smuggling, unemployment, and violent crime, fueling persistent xenophobia. According to the 2022 census, there are about 2.4 million foreign-born people in South Africa, with approximately 58,000 Ethiopians living in the country. Despite these challenges, South Africa remains a beacon of hope for many immigrants seeking a better life.
In a similar incident in August 2024, 82 Ethiopians were discovered crammed into a house in the same area of Johannesburg, without adequate food or proper facilities. While the Department of Home Affairs stated that they were undocumented migrants smuggled into the country, it is unclear if the two cases are connected. The police are investigating possible links between the two incidents, but so far, no concrete evidence has been found.
The police are currently investigating the matter, but language barriers are hindering their progress. Nkwalase mentioned that they are seeking an interpreter to help them get answers from the men about how, why, and when they came to South Africa. A neighbor of the house expressed shock at the incident, stating that she had only seen someone at the property a few weeks ago when her son retrieved a ball from over the fence. The community is still reeling from the discovery, with many residents expressing outrage and disgust at the suspected human trafficking ring.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
