Human trafficker’s car abandoned at i’langa Mall after high-speed chase with police

Two Pakistani nationals were held by an human trafficker allegedly based in Valencia.

According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brig Selvy Mohlala, a rescue operation was conducted by the Nelspruit police and crime intelligence after information was received regarding an international kidnapping.

This was reported at Johannesburg Central Police Station, and involved a human trafficker based in Mpumalanga in Malalane and Valencia, Mbombela.

“The information further indicated that two Pakistani nationals were trafficked to South Africa via Malawi and Mozambique,” said Mohlala.

ALSO READ: Armed robbers gunned down by Tonga police

“Upon arrival in South Africa, the trafficker held them hostage. The family of one of the victims paid an undisclosed amount of money for his release, and he was let go.”

Meanwhile, the second victim’s family were in process of communicating with the kidnappers.

Mohlala said information was followed up and the kidnapper was spotted near Valencia. A high-speed chase ensued.

The trafficker escaped, however, the assistance of a tracking company managed to pin the location of his vehicle. It was found in the basement parking of i’langa Mall and was seized by the police.

Mohlala said that while the trafficker is still at large, his identity is known to the police as a businessman in the Schoemansdal area.

He further said that the police had identified a safe house where the second victim was still being held.

ALSO READ: Sixth orphan for Care for Wild sanctuary since November

This led to the rescue of the victim and the arrest of an undocumented Pakistani national who was identified by one of the victims as the safe house keeper, responsible for facilitating communication with the families.

The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, has applauded the police members’ dedication by freeing the kidnapped person.