By Anita Dangazele
At least 90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals were rescued at a Sunnydale property in Johannesburg on Sunday.
While tracing a victim of a kidnapping for ransom in Benoni, police found at least 90 undocumented Ethiopians locked in rooms. The foreign nationals were allegedly being kept against their will.
The victim was kidnapped on Tuesday in Benoni, and immediately after, his family received a ransom demand for “hundreds of thousands”, according to police.
South African Police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said the kidnapping victim was rescued with the Ethiopians.
“A multidisciplinary team led by the STF was tracing a victim of kidnapping for ransom when they also made the discovery of the undocumented nationals who were found locked up, confined and packed into rooms,” Mathe said.
She said investigations are underway as to how the people were trafficked into the country.
“The Ethiopian nationals were all taken to hospital for medical care,” Mathe added.
Two alleged human traffickers and kidnappers who were found on the property were arrested.
Mathe said they are likely to face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking and are expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court soon.
The case has been handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations for further investigations.
Pictured Above: At least 90 foreign nationals were kept against their will at a property in Sunnydale, Johannesburg.
Source: Supplied.
