By Everson Luhanga
- Police found 15 naked people held in a Sandringham house after neighbours reported strange activities.
- Three suspects were arrested for human trafficking while some victims were taken to hospital.
Police have rescued 26 people believed to be Ethiopian nationals held captive in a Johannesburg house on Thursday night after neighbours reported strange activities.
When police arrived at the house on Luster Road, Sandringham, they found 15 naked people inside.
All are believed to be from Ethiopia. Eleven others were taken to hospital.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase said the victims broke open a window and burglar bars to escape. “The other 11 victims were transported to hospital for medical treatment.”
Some victims were found near the house, while others ran away.
Police arrested three people for human trafficking and possessing an illegal firearm. They found a 9mm pistol and magazine but no bullets.
The rescue involved teams from Sandringham police, the Hawks, Johannesburg Metro Police and a security company.
“The matter was referred to the Gauteng Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation. The 26 undocumented individuals are being processed to determine their status as trafficking victims,” said Nkwalase.
He asked people to call the police if they saw anyone without clothes in the area, as they might be victims in this case.
Pictured above: A window where 26 trafficking victims escaped from in Sandringham, Johannesburg.
Source: Supplied
