A joint operation between Fox Security and the JMPD led to the rescue of 12 boys and the arrest of a foreign national suspected of human trafficking on January 5.

The accused, a male from Ethiopia, appeared in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court on January 9, facing 12 counts of kidnapping and one of failure to stop a vehicle at the request of a police officer.

The case was postponed for an Amharic interpreter to be present, so the accused can fully understand the charges against him and his rights. The interpreter arrived late due to other cases, but the matter was eventually heard.

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The accused opted to be represented by a private lawyer. The prosecution opposed bail as the investigating officer has yet to profile the accused.

The profiling process will determine whether the suspect has any previous charges, convictions, or outstanding warrants of arrest.

Magistrate Vele then postponed the case to January 12 to allow the defence lawyer to be present.

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