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South African police have rescued 26 migrants, believed to be from Ethiopia, who were held captive in a house in Johannesburg.
Fifteen of the migrants were found naked inside the property, while 11 others—some with injuries—were discovered nearby.
The operation took place on Thursday evening in a northeastern suburb of Johannesburg after neighbors alerted the authorities. Police have arrested three suspects, who were found in possession of an illegal firearm and are accused of involvement in human trafficking.
Officials are investigating how the migrants arrived in South Africa and whether they were victims of trafficking. Police stated they had dismantled “a human-trafficking ring,” though details about the conditions the migrants endured remain unclear.
Colonel Philani Nkwalase, spokesperson for the Hawks, a national police agency focused on serious crimes, reported that some of the migrants escaped by breaking a window and removing burglar bars. Those injured during their escape have been hospitalized for treatment.
The 26 individuals are being processed to determine their status as trafficking victims, according to Col Nkwalase.
This incident follows a similar case in August last year when 90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals were found in inhumane conditions at a house east of Johannesburg. That operation uncovered a kidnapping victim during a broader investigation into human trafficking.
Authorities continue to crack down on human-trafficking networks, with investigations ongoing.
