A 47-year-old Ethiopian national has been arrested and ten half-naked teenagers rescued in Mulbarton, Johannesburg.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) said its members were alerted about a group of half-naked teenagers walking on foot, while on patrol duties in Mulbarton.
“Upon arrival at the scene, JMPD officers discovered ten young males, many wearing only underwear, who appeared unable to speak English.
While securing the scene, officers were informed that two additional victims had been picked up and driven away by a blue Volkswagen Jetta.
Following a tactical search of the area with the assistance of Fox Security, the vehicle was spotted and a chase ensued.
JMPD officers successfully intercepted the blue Jetta on Commissioner Street, and the driver was found in the vehicle with the two missing victims,” said JMPD spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla.
Fihla said a total of 12 victims, all Ethiopian nationals, were rescued.
“The victims’ range in age from 13 to 19 years old, with the majority being minors under the age of 15.
The suspect, an Ethiopian national, and the victims were taken to SAPS Mondeor for further processing.
Due to the nature of the crime, the Organised Crime Unit and DPCI/Hawks were notified,” explained Fihla.
The suspect has been charged with suspected human trafficking, being in the country illegally, and he is expected to appear in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
