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Public urged to report ‘naked’ escapees from suspected trafficking ring in Johannesburg
The joint operation that exposed the trafficking ring involved the Sandringham SAPS, Gauteng Hawks, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), and a private security company.
The operation unfolded on Thursday, 9 January 2025 around 21:00, after concerned neighbours tipped off authorities about suspicious activities at a residence on Luster Road, the Hawks said in a statement.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a harrowing scene: 15 naked individuals, believed to be Ethiopian nationals, were found held captive inside the house.
An additional 11 individuals had escaped and were later transported to hospital for medical treatment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had broken through a window and burglar bars in a desperate bid to escape. Some were found near the crime scene, while it is believed that more individuals remain unaccounted for.
More naked victims could still be on the run
According to eNCA, about 60 Ethiopian men were held captive in the bungalow.
“The public is urged to report to the authorities any person seen without clothes in the area as they may be linked to the incident,” the Hawks said.
JPMD spokesperson Philani Nkwalase noted that the signs pointed to a human trafficking matter, as the men were in fact escaping.
“They were kept naked, almost as if it’s a modus operandi to keep them humiliated and not trying to escape,” Nkwalase added.
Three suspects linked to the trafficking ring have since been arrested. Authorities also recovered an unregistered 9mm pistol and a magazine, although no ammunition was found.
The suspects face charges related to human trafficking and the possession of an illegal firearm.
The case has been transferred to the Gauteng Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the 26 undocumented individuals are undergoing an evaluation to establish whether they are victims of human trafficking.
This follows a similar case in August 2024 where 82 Ethiopians were kept in a house in inhumane conditions, in the same area of Johannesburg.
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