Ninety undocumented Ethiopian nationals rescued in Johannesburg

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Ninety undocumented Ethiopian nationals, who were allegedly being kept against their will and under inhumane conditions, have been rescued in Sunnydale Ridge, Johannesburg.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), a multidisciplinary team, led by the Special Task Force (STF) unit, were 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.

In a statement issued on Sunday, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said investigations are underway as to how these nationals were trafficked into SA.

“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,” she stated.

Brig Mathe confirmed that the Ethiopian nationals were all taken to hospital for medical care.

She added; “Two alleged human traffickers and kidnappers who were found on the property have been arrested. They are likely to face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking and are expected to appear before the Palm Ridge magistrates court soon.”

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The case has been handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (HAWKS) for further investigations.

Meanwhile, an inquest docket has been opened after a male and a female died when a block of flats at Boiketlong flats caught fire in Zamdela, Sasolburg.

According to provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Josephine Rani, the flats were not used for residential purpose, except for those people who would be illegally frequenting in there without the owner’s permission.

“On Friday, at about 21:00, the police were patrolling around Zamdela when they noticed smoke coming from Boiketlong flats. On arrival, they noticed that the second floor of block D flats was on fire,” she said.

Sgt Rani said the two unknown people were certified dead by emergency services.

She added; “The cause of fire is unknown and investigation still continues. The particulars and age of those deceased will be known as soon as they are officially identified.”