A joint operation between law enforcement led to the rescue of 12 boys and the arrest of a foreign national suspected of kidnapping on January 5.

The accused, from Ethiopia, appeared in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on January 5, with the case being called again on March 6, as the Senior Public Prosecutor (SPP) needed to give the victim’s statements to the prosecution.

A representative of the SPP told the court that the victim statements will be ready for the next court date in April.

The accused faces 12 counts of kidnapping and one count of failure to stop a vehicle at the request of a police officer.

The prosecution wants to add an additional charge against the accused.

The charge will be in accordance with Section 42 of the South African Immigration Act, which strictly prohibits aiding, abetting, assisting, or enabling an illegal foreigner to stay, work, or operate a business in the country.

Violations include providing accommodation, employing without valid work permits, or assisting in any illegal transaction.

Although the accused is legally in the country, he is suspected of aiding others who are illegally conducting commercial business in SA.

The prosecution wants to add this charge to the case against him.

Magistrate Mashitse advised that the prosecution amend the case and that he will check if it is in order at the next court appearance on April 24.

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