WATCH: Suspected human smuggling investigation launched after 35 foreign nationals found at Alberton property
A suspected human smuggling investigation is underway after 35 foreign nationals were found at a property in Alberton North, where locked rooms, scattered belongings, bulk food supplies and documents were discovered.
A suspected human smuggling investigation is underway after 35 foreign nationals were found at a house in Alberton North on the evening of July 9.
CPS Security responded to an initial report of a burglary in progress at about 19:50.
According to the security company, reaction officers detained two suspects near the property before receiving numerous calls from residents reporting groups of people running through nearby streets.
When officers entered the property at 67 1st Avenue, they found evidence suggesting that people had forced their way out of the house.
According to CPS Security, about 35 people were found on the night of the incident after fleeing the property.
They were found not only in the house but also on streets and in surrounding suburbs across Alberton, following numerous reports from residents.
CPS Security said additional individuals were found the following morning and estimated that 100 or more people may have been accommodated at the property.
The estimate is based on the number of people located and the passports and other documents recovered from the scene. This has not been independently verified by the Alberton Record.
Reaction officers said the house contained several locked rooms, with security gates and doors bolted shut, preventing occupants from leaving.
They believe the people escaped by breaking doors and windows before fleeing the property.
The Alberton Record visited the property after the incident.
Inside the house, a strong foul odour lingered. Clothes were scattered across several rooms, while large quantities of groceries, including bags of rice and maize meal, were found inside.
Broken doors, damaged windows and forced entry points suggested that occupants had broken their way out.
The Alberton Record also viewed documents recovered from the property by CPS Security.
One document appeared to contain a list of names, surnames, and ages, with ages ranging from 28 to 48, as well as what appeared to be communication or attendance-tracking columns.
Another handwritten note found at the property appeared to list various medications, including medicine for headaches, kidney problems, stomach ailments and colds.
It is not known who wrote the note or what purpose it served.
According to CPS Security, several of the people found at the property appeared weak and had little energy, prompting officers to identify those who required medical attention.
CPS Security further stated that officers recovered several boxes and packets containing passports from the property.
According to CPS Security, many of the people found at the property were believed to be of Somali and Ethiopian origin.
ALSO READ: 47 undocumented foreign nationals arrested across Ekurhuleni
The security company said all individuals located during the operation were transported to Alberton SAPS for further processing.
Hawks: case is human smuggling, not human trafficking
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) confirmed that members of its Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit based in Germiston attended the scene.
Acting section commander and media liaison Colonel Katlego Mogale said preliminary investigations established that the matter is one of human smuggling, not human trafficking.
“This office can confirm that members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Germiston attended the scene where they established that this was a case of human smuggling and not human trafficking.
“Therefore, the case is not being investigated by the Hawks but by Alberton SAPS detectives,” said Mogale.
The Alberton Record sought comment from Alberton SAPS on July 15, regarding the investigation, including the number of people found at the property, whether any arrests had been made and what charges were being investigated.
Watch video here:
@albertonrecord A suspected human smuggling investigation is underway after 35 foreign nationals were found at a property in Alberton North, where locked rooms, scattered belongings, bulk food supplies and documents were discovered. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
♬ original sound – Alberton Record
The enquiry was sent via WhatsApp at 13:42. However, police were unable to provide information by the time of publication.
ALSO READ: Fraud arrest in Alberton over alleged fake immigration documents
Stay informed and never miss a story. Join our Joburg South WhatsApp channel for breaking news, community updates, and more: Join here.
