An alleged human trafficking ring was exposed after 26 Ethiopian nationals were rescued from a house in Rembrandt Park, Johannesburg, yesterday.

Members of the Sandringham SAPS, Gauteng Hawks, JMPD, and a private security company acted on a tip-off from neighbours about suspicious activities at a residence on Lister Road. Hawks spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase says that upon arrival, authorities found 15 naked individuals inside the house, while 11 others had been transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims broke a window and burglar bar to escape. Some victims were rounded up near the crime scene, while others fled.

Further investigations led to the arrest of three suspects, who are accused of human trafficking and illegal possession of a firearm. Authorities confiscated a 9mm P Tokarev pistol, one magazine, and no ammunition.

The case has been handed over to the Gauteng Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, and the 26 undocumented individuals are being processed to confirm their status as trafficking victims.

The public is urged to report any unclothed individuals spotted in the area, as they may be linked to the incident.