Forty-four Ethiopian men were discovered locked inside a house in Parkmore, Sandton, sparking concerns of human trafficking. The men were found after security guards patrolling the area heard screams coming from the property and alerted the police. Upon arrival, authorities found 44 Ethiopian nationals, with 17 being minors and 27 adults. Communication was challenging as most of the men could not speak English.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo stated that while the men are being treated as illegal immigrants, there is a possibility that they are victims of human trafficking. One of the men, who was able to speak a little English, confirmed that all the men were from Ethiopia but could not provide details on how long they had been held captive.
A case of human trafficking is currently under investigation, with efforts being made to secure an interpreter from Ethiopia to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the men’s arrival in South Africa. The situation is still unfolding, and authorities are working diligently to determine the full extent of the issue.
This incident sheds light on the prevalence of human trafficking and the vulnerabilities faced by migrants seeking better opportunities in foreign countries. It serves as a reminder of the importance of combating human trafficking and protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
