Police and community members gathered at a house in Legae La Batho, Polokwane, this morning (June 22) following allegations of human trafficking and kidnapping.

According to Polokwane Review, the house is rented by a Nigerian national. It is alleged he recruited young women and men, aged 19 to 23, to sell insurance policies on the streets.

Some of the young people found at the house told authorities they had been living there since 2022 after being recruited by the man. The young people are from:

• Mpumalanga
• Gauteng
• KZN
• Limpopo

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Suspect detained

Immigration authorities took the suspect into custody after finding he was in South Africa illegally.

Community members who contacted Polokwane Review said they had been informed by authorities that 21 young people were found at the property and are allegedly involved in insurance policy and Sim card scams.

They also claimed the young people’s phones had been confiscated.

Investigation continues

Police have not yet confirmed any charges related to human trafficking or kidnapping and say investigations are ongoing.

The house remains under police attention as the investigation continues.

Last night (June 21), two of the young people were reportedly able to request help from a local anti-drug and gangsterism organisation after the man allegedly kicked them out.

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