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Police rescue 26 victims from suspected human trafficking

“The 26 undocumented individuals are currently being processed to determine their status as trafficking victims.”

Twenty-six suspected foreign nationals were rescued by law enforcement agencies after a joint operation saw authorities pounce on a suspected human trafficking ring in Sandringham.

The operation between Sandringham SAPS, Gauteng Hawks, JMPD and a private security company was conducted on the evening of January 9 after authorities received a tip-off from the community.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase said the joint team responded to a tip-off from neighbours about suspicious activities at a property on Luster Road.

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“On arrival 15 naked individuals, suspected to be Ethiopian nationals, were found held captive in the house.”

Nkwalase said preliminary investigations by the joint team revealed that some of the victims broke open a window and burglar bar and escaped the property.

“A few individuals were rounded up in the area near the crime scene while others escaped,” said Nkwalase.
An additional eleven victims were transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of three suspects for their alleged involvement in human trafficking and the illegal possession of a firearm,” said Nkwalase.

The suspects were found with a 9mm P Tokarev pistol, one magazine, and no ammunition.

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Nkwalase said the matter was referred to the Gauteng Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation.

“The 26 undocumented individuals are being processed to determine their status as trafficking victims.”

In light of the rescue, community members were urged to report any person seen without wearing clothes in the area to the authorities as they may be linked to the incident.

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