One Ethiopian male and female suspect were arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Integrated Intelligence Operations Centre (IIOC) Undercover officers for suspected human trafficking in Meredale.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said on Wednesday, that officers following up on information received about human trafficking in Meredale, paid a visit to Sparrowgate Lifestyle Estate.
“Upon arrival, the complainant showed officers four Ethiopian teenage boys who had allegedly escaped from their traffickers.”
“The complainant led officers to an apartment in the Estate, where the Ethiopian boys were being held against their will,” he said.
Fihla said the complainant led officers to an apartment in The Estate, where the boys were being held against their will. They found an Ethiopian man and woman, who were questioned regarding the boys who had escaped from their apartment.
“In that apartment officers found an Ethiopian male and female. They were questioned regarding the four Ethiopian boys who had escaped from their apartment,” Fihla said in a statement.
Fihla added that the two alleged the boys were brought by their friend, and that he would be coming to fetch them later.
He further explained that officers then interviewed the boys who told them that the male had threatened to kill them if they try to escape, and they were kept hostage without their consent.
The two Ethiopian nationals were placed under arrest and detained at Mondeor SAPS.
“Cash valued at R92 000 was found in the apartment, seized and booked in at Mondeor SAPS,” added Fihla.
