Mackenzie Park Rescue: 33 Victims Freed
Authorities from KwaZulu-Natal rescued 33 individuals suspected of being victims of human trafficking from a residence in Mackenzie Park on December 3. The operation was initiated as detectives were tracking a suspect linked to the kidnapping of a foreign national in Springfield Park, KZN, a week prior.
Benoni Trafficking: Tactical Operation, One Arrest
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the SAPS KwaZulu-Natal provincial spokesperson, explained that investigative efforts led the officers to a house in Benoni. With support from specialised SAPS units, they conducted a tactical operation, discovering the individuals crowded into a single room, leading to the arrest of one suspect.
Repeat Offense: Second Trafficking Network Uncovered
This incident marks the second uncovering of an alleged human trafficking network in Benoni within four months. In August, acting on a tip-off, Benoni Police Station officers found 26 Ethiopian nationals held in a room of a suspected guest house on Fifth Street, Northmead. The victims had been in the country for approximately four months, having been lured with promises of employment. Although not forcibly brought to South Africa, the men were charged with illegal entry.
August Discovery: 26 Victims Rescued, Perpetrators Charged
During that operation, a 34-year-old Ethiopian and a 28-year-old Malawian were arrested and charged with human trafficking. The Ethiopian was identified as the alleged ‘kingpin’ responsible for recruiting the victims, while the Malawian served as a guard for the house.
Recent Arrest: Ongoing Efforts Against Trafficking
In the recent incident, one suspect was arrested, though as of the publication time, the police were unable to confirm the ages and nationalities of both the victims and the suspect. The rescue underscores ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
