Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officers on patrol were alerted to a disturbing scene along Broad Street in Mulbarton, where eight half-naked teenage boys were seen walking on foot, reports The Witness.

Ten teenage boys were rescued in Johannesburg on Tuesday following a joint operation by private security and law enforcement agencies.

Colonel Katlego Mogale, a police spokesperson says the operation involved Fox Security, the JMPD, SAPS Mondeor and the Hawks’ trafficking in persons unit.

Mogale says JMPD officers on patrol were informed about the incident.

“Further enquiries revealed that the boys were foreign nationals who could not speak English. Officers were also informed that two additional boys had already been taken away in a blue VW Jetta,” Mogale said.

He adds the vehicle was later intercepted, but the driver fled, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in Commissioner Street, where a 47-year-old foreign national was arrested, and the two boys were rescued.

The suspect will appear in the Booysens Magistrates’ court on Thursday. He faces charges of being an illegal immigrant and suspected trafficking in persons. 

Gauteng Hawks provincial head Major General Ebrahim Kadwa praised the multi-disciplinary effort, commending the teams involved for their role in combating human trafficking in the province.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.