Dozens Escape from Alleged Human Trafficking Operation in Johannesburg
Dozens of Ethiopian minors escaped from a suspected human trafficking operation in Johannesburg, with police apprehending 32 individuals. Officers noted a troubling similarity to previous incidents involving undocumented migrants from neighboring countries. Video evidence showcased their escape, prompting fears of human trafficking in the area.
On Wednesday, police in Johannesburg reported that dozens of children and young individuals escaped from a suburban home, highlighting a potential case of human trafficking. Police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that 32 of the escapees, all Ethiopian citizens, were subsequently apprehended. Recent trends indicate that South Africa, being industrialized, is a destination for many migrants from neighboring countries, including Malawi and Lesotho, many of whom lack legal documentation.
Footage shared on social media depicted individuals fleeing through Lombardy East streets, some not wearing shoes. Masondo emphasized that most escapees were minors, aged between 13 and 24 years, and stated, “It is alleged they were kept against their will,” noting that several were discovered half-naked. He added, “There is a possibility that it is human trafficking,” suggesting a broader criminal context.
The incident resembles an earlier rescue in January when 26 undocumented Ethiopian nationals were freed from suspected traffickers and found without clothing or identification. In a separate case last year, about 80 Ethiopians were discovered being held under inhuman conditions in a suburban house. Subsequently, three Ethiopian nationals were arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal firearms and engaging in human trafficking-related activities.
Masondo expressed concern regarding the influx of individuals brought into South Africa, stating, “It is a concern for us that people are being brought to our country… and kept in houses here against their own will.” The series of incidents underscores the pressing issue of human trafficking in the region, affecting mainly vulnerable migrants.
The escape of dozens of individuals from suspected human traffickers in Johannesburg underscores an alarming trend of human trafficking in South Africa. With a significant portion of the escapees being minors from Ethiopia, the situation raises pressing concerns about the exploitation of undocumented migrants. Authorities are actively addressing this issue as patterns of abuse continue to emerge, highlighting the need for enhanced protective measures against human trafficking.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
