Nigerian national arrested in Polokwane after human trafficking claims
Police raided a Legae La Batho house over human trafficking claims, arresting a Nigerian national for illegal immigration, but trafficking charges still unconfirmed.
POLOKWANE – Police and community members gathered at a house in Legae La Batho on Monday morning following claims of human trafficking and kidnapping.
The house is rented by a Nigerian national. It is alleged that he recruited young women and men, aged 19 to 23, to sell insurance policies on the streets.
Recruited from multiple provinces
Some of the young people found at the house told authorities they have been living there since 2022 after being recruited by the man. The young people are from:
- Mpumalanga
- Gauteng
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Limpopo
Immigration authorities took the suspect into custody after finding that he is in South Africa illegally.
21 young people found
Community members who contacted Review Online said they had been told by authorities that 21 young people were found and are said to be involved in policy and sim-card scams.
They also said their phones have been confiscated.
Police and community members gathered at a house in Legae La Batho on Monday morning following claims of human trafficking and kidnapping. The house is rented by a Nigerian national. pic.twitter.com/VxRtZsr1fl
— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) June 22, 2026
No trafficking charges yet
Police have not yet confirmed any charges for human trafficking or kidnapping. Police say investigations are ongoing.
The house remains under police attention as the investigation continues.
How the alarm was raised
On Sunday night (June 21), two of the young people were able to request help from a local anti-drug and gangsterism organisation after the man reportedly kicked them out.
