Watch: 50 suspected human trafficking hostages escape in Lombardy East
At least 18 foreign nationals have been arrested after witnesses reported hearing shouting from a property and seeing half-naked people fleeing in different directions.
Lombardy East in Gauteng erupted in chaos this morning as at least 50 foreign nationals fled from a house where they were allegedly being held hostage.
Rosebank Killarney Gazette reports that law enforcement has apprehended 18 of the foreign nationals so far, while searches continue in the Riverpark area and near the N3 freeway.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid Goethe Road, between Wellington and Cromwell roads, as police and security personnel secure the scene.
Witnesses reported hearing shouting from the property before seeing half-naked people fleeing in different directions.
This is the second reported case of kidnapped undocumented foreigners being held in a house in Lombardy East, raising concerns about ongoing criminal activity in the area.
On January 9, in Rembrandt Park, 26 foreign nationals escaped from a house. Three suspects were arrested.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 10111, their security provider or via the Safer City emergency app.
Bedfordview and Edenvale News reports that some of the foreign nationals were taken to Sandringham Police Station for processing.
@bedfordview.edenv According to law enforcement at the scene some of the foreign nationals were reportedly rounded up by authorities and taken to Sandringham Police Station for processing. #humantraffickingawareness #foreignnationals #Bedforviewandeendvalenews
More details will be published as they become available.
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