A man accused in connection with the suspected human trafficking case in Birchleigh North, Kempton Park, appeared in the Kempton Park Regional Court this morning, July 11.

The case against him relates to the rescue of 19 Ethiopian men who were found held captive in a house in Birchleigh North on July 4.

The victims were allegedly lured to South Africa under false pretences, assaulted, and held while their captors demanded large sums of money from their families for their release.

During his brief appearance in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court, the suspect’s case was postponed to July 18 for a formal bail application.

The police’s crime intelligence unit continues to investigate the matter.

Also read: Birchleigh North house raid uncovers 19 human trafficking victims

The rescue followed after Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) councillor for Kempton Park, Jean Kriek, received reports of people calling for help from inside the property.

Kriek went to the house to investigate and immediately contacted the police, the EMPD and a private security company for assistance.

The men were taken to hospital for treatment following their ordeal.