Police rescue 45 undocumented Ethiopians at Springs house

Six people have been arrested in a human trafficking bust in Welgedacht that took place on February 8.
According to Brig Brenda Muridili, 45 undocumented Ethiopians were held in the house against their will and were rescued by the police.
“The team arrested six suspects and seized a shotgun and ammunition,” said Muridili.
“Preliminary investigations on the scene revealed the property is owned by a South African woman who was renting out the cottage where the victims were kept.
“The woman’s son is a police officer attached to Public Order Policing (POP) in Springs. He also stays on the property.

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“Upon searching the premises, a shotgun with SAPS issued ammunition was found in one of the rented rooms.
“The police then searched the room where the POP member was staying and found more SAPS issued shotgun ammunition,” said Muridili.
The operation was a success due to a joint investigation team comprising members of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation, National Crime Intelligence and Sedibeng TRT.
Their investigation particularly targeted incidents of human trafficking.
During the arrest, one of the suspects attempted to bribe the police with a bag full of money.

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“While the police were still processing the crime scene, a man arrived with a plastic bag full of banknotes and offered them to the police.
“A total of R329 400 was seized, and the man was immediately placed under arrest, as well as the police officer and his mother,” explained Muridili.
Two of the arrested suspects appeared in the Springs Magistrate’s Court on Friday and their cases have been postponed until February 15 and 17.
The 45 victims, aged between 23 and 50, have been released to their next of kin.
“In January, Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation members arrested Abdi Mohammed Adri and charged him with human trafficking. Five Ethiopians were found held against their will in his home in Brixton, Johannesburg.
“Adri has since appeared in court and is out on bail,” said Muridili

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