Two arrested for trafficking after 21 found in Pretoria bus
The bus carrying 21 undocumented individuals was stopped by the Tshwane Metro Police Department on Wednesday.
Two people have been arrested for suspicion of human trafficking in Pretoria on Wednesday, April 3, after the bus they were travelling in was found to contain 21 undocumented individuals.
The bus was on its way to Johannesburg when it was stopped by the Tshwane Metro Police Department’s (TMPD) K-9 unit.
According to the MMC for Community Safety, Grandi Theunissen, the pair were arrested at around 15:15 for smuggling 21 undocumented Ethiopian nationals in the bus.
The two suspects are currently in custody at the Moot Police Station, and police are seeing if they can be linked to other crimes in the area.
According to Theunissen, the case has since been handed over to the SAPS, because it does not fall under the jurisdiction of the TMPD.
“The undocumented Ethiopian Nationals are being interviewed by intelligence and immigration agencies,” said Theunissen.
He applauded the TMPD and the SAPS for working together in arresting the suspected human traffickers.
“The arrests and subsequent collaboration with the police underscore the unwavering commitment of authorities to combatting this egregious violation of human rights,” he said.
Theunissen urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicions of human trafficking or related criminal activities to the police on 10111 or at their local police station.
“Residents are also reminded to contact the TMPD on 012 358 7095/7096 or send an email to tmpdcomplaints@tshwane.gov.za for any by-law or traffic transgressions,” he concluded.
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