Hawks uncover trafficking ring, rescue kidnapped victim
90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals allegedly being held against their will have been rescued in a police operation in Johannesburg.
A special task force 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 in Sunnydale Ridge.
Police spokespersons, Athlenda Mathe says they were living in inhumane conditions.
"Investigations are underway as to how these nationals were trafficked into SA."
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"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.
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," says Mathe.
The case has been handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (HAWKS) for further investigations.
