South African police have rescued 44 Ethiopian nationals, including 17 minors, who were being held against their will in an upscale Johannesburg neighborhood. The discovery was made on May 1, 2025, after officers responded to screams emanating from a residence in Sandton. Upon investigation, authorities found the individuals locked in rooms, prompting immediate action to ensure their safety .
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of human trafficking cases in South Africa. In January, 26 Ethiopian nationals were rescued from a house in Johannesburg, with 15 found naked and 11 others hospitalized for injuries . In August 2024, a separate operation led to the rescue of 90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals who were allegedly kept under inhumane conditions in Sunnydale Ridge, Johannesburg .
The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to investigate these cases, working closely with international partners to dismantle trafficking networks and provide support to the victims.
For more information on SAPS’s efforts and updates on this case, visit the official South African Police Service website.
South african police picture on Wikimedia by ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd.
