South African police have rescued 26 migrants, believed to be Ethiopian nationals, who were held captive in a house in Johannesburg.
Authorities reported that 15 of the individuals were found naked inside the property, while the remaining 11, some of whom were injured, were discovered nearby.
The rescue occurred on Thursday evening in a northeastern suburb of Johannesburg following a tip-off from concerned neighbors.
According to police spokesperson Col. Philani Nkwalase of the Hawks, a specialized crime-fighting unit, three suspects were arrested at the scene.
“We have dismantled what appears to be a human-trafficking ring,” Col. Nkwalase stated.
While it is unclear how the migrants arrived in South Africa, police are investigating the possibility of human trafficking.
Some of those found had managed to escape by breaking open a window and a burglar bar, but sustained injuries in the process.
“The injured individuals were taken to hospital for treatment,” Col. Nkwalase confirmed.
The arrested suspects were reportedly in possession of an illegal firearm and now face charges of human trafficking.
Officials are also working to determine the status of the rescued individuals. “
The matter has been referred for further exploration, and the 26 undocumented individuals are being processed to establish if they are victims of trafficking,” added Col. Nkwalase.
This incident comes after a similar case in August last year, when 90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals were discovered in inhumane conditions at a house east of Johannesburg.
Police had stumbled upon the group while searching for a kidnapping victim, who was also found at the same location.
Source-BBC
