Law enforcement arrested 27 Ethiopian nationals on charges of illegal immigration during investigations into human trafficking.

This follows a raid at a property in Twelfth Avenue, Edenvale yesterday where 20 suspects were found in a single room.

Edenvale police spokesperson Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile said the raid was conducted after police received reports of individuals trespassing by jumping over walls.

“Edenvale commander of visible policing, Lieutenant Colonel Lionel Chetty, was on duty at the time and mobilised stakeholders,” said Mashile.

Upon initial investigation, seven suspects were apprehended, leading the police to the property on Twelfth Avenue.

“When officers searched the property, another 20 Ethiopian nationals were found locked up in one room,” said Mashile.

From observations made by Bedfordview and Edenvale News on the scene, all the individuals removed from the property were men.