The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed the arrest of a 47-year-old male suspect in connection with a suspected human trafficking operation in Johannesburg South.
In the early hours of 06 January, JMPD officers patrolling the Johannesburg CBD were alerted by Fox Security to a distressing scene in Mulbarton. Reports indicated that a group of young males were walking along Broad Street while half-naked.
Upon arrival at the scene, JMPD officers discovered ten (10) 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. The driver was found in the vehicle with the two missing victims.
A total of twelve (12) victims, all Ethiopian nationals, have been 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. The suspect has been charged with suspected human trafficking, and he is expected to appear in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The JMPD commends the swift action of our officers and the collaboration with private security partners in rescuing these vulnerable individuals and ensuring the suspect was brought into custody.
