A joint operation between Fox Security and the JMPD led to the rescue of 12 boys and the arrest of a foreign national suspected of human trafficking in Mulbarton on January 5.

The accused is a male from Ethiopia, who appeared in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on January 8.

He faces 12 counts of kidnapping and one count of failure to stop a vehicle at the request of a police officer. No charge of human trafficking was added.

There was a large TV media presence, causing delays in proceedings as the magistrate had to brief the media on legal procedures regarding coverage of the case, which included not recording the suspect’s face or disclosing his name.

Although the man agreed to proceed in English, he could not fully understand the magistrate, as his first language is Amharic.

Magistrate Vele outlined the charges to the accused, who seemed confused.

Vele then requested an Amharic interpreter, but the interpreter was still on leave. He was then forced to postpone the case to prevent a miscarriage of justice due to communication constraints between the court and the accused.

“The case will be remanded to January 9 for an Amharic interpreter to be present at court. The accused remains in custody,’” said Vele.

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