About 90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals, who were allegedly being kept against their will and under inhumane conditions in Sunnydale Ridge, Johannesburg, were rescued by the SAPS Special Task Force (STF) unit at the weekend.
Police said a multidisciplinary team, led by the STF, were tracing a victim of kidnapping for ransom when they also discovered the undocumented nationals who were found locked up, confined and packed into rooms.
Investigations were under way to determine how these nationals were trafficked into the country.
National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said among the Ethiopian nationals, was a kidnapped victim who was also rescued.
“The victim was kidnapped in Benoni last Tuesday afternoon, whereupon his kidnappers immediately started demanding hundreds of thousands of ransom money from his family,” Mathe said.
She said the Ethiopian nationals were all taken to hospital for medical care.
Mathe confirmed that two alleged human traffickers and kidnappers who were found on the property have been arrested.
Mathe said suspects are likely to face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking and are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court soon.
She said the case has been handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) for further investigations.
Last week, police rescued a businessman and attorney and arrested eight kidnappers, including three Tanzanian nationals, in Johannesburg.
The businessman, aged 64, was kidnapped on July 5 at a mosque in Helderkruin, Roodepoort. He was rescued at a house in Lenasia on Wednesday.
Police said the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team has been working on the case and arrested the first two suspects a week before last.
Intelligence led the multidisciplinary team to a hotel in Eastgate and two apartments in Fourways where they arrested six suspects and seized drugs suspected to be crystal meth worth R300 million.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu commended the police for their professionalism, collaboration, and effective use of intelligence in this complex and dangerous mission. The Minister also reiterated the importance of inter-agency co-operation and the use of cutting-edge technology and intelligence in combating crime, stating the following:
“The successful rescue of the kidnapped businessman and the substantial drug bust demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our citizens. This operation reflects the dedication and bravery of our police officers, who risk their lives daily to protect our communities. Our fight against organised crime and drug trafficking requires a united front, leveraging the strengths of various law enforcement agencies. This success is a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration and the diligent application of our resources. There is a reason why we have to drastically intensify the war against drugs and the SAPS will continue to do so,” Mchunu said.
He said there was a growing trend of drugs and the involvement of foreign nationals in South Africa and that was very concerning.
“The SAPS continues to uphold the principles enshrined in the South African Constitution and various legislative frameworks, ensuring that justice is served, and the rule of law is maintained. We will not rest until every criminal is brought to justice.
“To the brave men and women of the SAPS, your valour and dedication are the cornerstone of our nation's security. The people of South Africa stand with you, and we thank you for your unwavering service,” Mchunu said.
The Star