Suspected human trafficking ring busted in Sandringham
Three members of a suspected human trafficking ring have been arrested in Sandringham, north of Johannesburg.
The Hawks in Gauteng said authorities responded to a tip-off from neighbours about suspicious activities at a home on Luster Road,
“Upon arrival, they found 15 naked individuals, suspected to be Ethiopian nationals, held captive inside the house. Eleven other victims were transported to the hospital for medical treatment,” said spokesperson Philani Nkwalase.
He said according to preliminary investigations, the victims broke open a window and burglar bar and escaped.
Law enforcement managed to round up a few of the victims in the area close to the crime scene, while others escaped.
“The suspects were found with a 9mm P Tokarev pistol, one magazine, and no ammunition,” Nkwalase said.
“The matter was referred to the Gauteng Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further exploration, and the 26 undocumented individuals are currently being processed to determine their status as trafficking victims.”
The suspects are due to appear in court on Monday.
