WATCH: 32 Ethiopians, youngest 13, rescued from Lombardy East property
Majority of rescued individuals are minors. It is believed the group broke free from a property located on Goethe Road.
A total of 32 foreign nationals have been detained after community patrollers alerted the SAPS to suspicious activity in Lombardy East.
According to Gauteng SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the detained individuals are all male Ethiopians, aged between 13 and 24.
Also read: Police respond to kidnapping tip-off in Lombardy East
The group was apprehended after Sandringham SAPS received reports of suspicious individuals and partially clothed persons running through the streets of Lombardy East.
“It is believed the group broke free from a property located on Goethe Road on the morning of March 26,” said Masondo.
He noted that the group mainly consisted of minors aged between 15 and 16.
Although no charges related to human trafficking have been laid, police are still investigating how the men arrived in South Africa and their purpose for being in the country.
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Masondo added that new charges may arise as the investigation continues.
Given the group’s condition and the fact that most of them are minors, the SAPS will collaborate with the Gauteng Departments of Health and Social Development to assess their well-being and secure a place of safety for the minors.
