90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals rescued during raid in JHB
Police say the unit was tracing a kidnapping victim held for ransom when it also discovered other human trafficking victims locked up in rooms.
The South African Police Service Special Task Force Unit has rescued 90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals during a raid in a house at Sunnydale in Johannesburg. Picture: SAPS/X
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force Unit has rescued 90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals during a raid in a house at Sunnydale Ridge in Johannesburg.
According to police reports, the victims were kept under inhumane conditions.
Police said the unit was tracing a kidnapping victim held for ransom when it also discovered other human trafficking victims locked up in rooms.
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Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping incident.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said investigations on how the foreign nationals were trafficked to the country are ongoing.
"Amongst the Ethiopian nationals was the kidnapped victim who was also rescued. The victim was kidnapped in Benoni on Tuesday afternoon, where after his kidnappers immediately started demanding hundreds of thousands of ransom money from his family. The Ethiopian nationals were all taken to hospital for medical care," said Mathe.