34 ETHIOPIAN NATIONALS RESCUED IN GLEN AUSTIN

The National Crime Intelligence Unit (NCIU) received a tip off about a house in Austin View, Midrand, housing suspected trafficked humans.

The information was operationalised on Thursday afternoon which led to the police pouncing at a house in Boerboel Street where thirty four (34) Ethiopian male nationals were found held against their will.

According to NCIU, the initial information received was that, there is forty (40) females and forty (40) males on the address. However, on their arrival, they only managed to rescue thirty four (34) males while the women were not found.

At the time of publishing, it was not clear as to who might be the mastermind against this trafficking. The only information police had is that, the foreign national spaza shop owners normally come and buy the trafficked humans for a minimum amount not exceeding twenty thousand rand (R20,000.00) and work for the owner without salary.

The rescued men looked frail and they confirmed that they arrived at the said address two weeks ago, without being allowed to go outside and only receive food when it suits the bosses who normally come and leave.

The Department of Home Affairs was alerted and will do the necessary. One suspect aged 37 was arrested at the scene and detained at Rabie Ridge SAPS.

The victims were transported to Ivory Park and Midrand SAPS pending the investigation by Home Affairs.

DPCI Warrant Officer Kekana said they will investigate Kidnapping until all the dots are connected then it might change to Human Trafficking.

The arrested suspect will appear before the Tembisa Magistrates Court soon.