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The house in Sandringham where 26 kidnaped men were rescued by the police on Thursday night. Photo by Kgomotso Medupe
A PEACEFUL night in Sandringham, north of Joburg turns traumatic for residents.
Police rescued 26 men who had been kidnapped and kept in a house in the area on Thursday night, 9 January.
Among them, 15 were found naked, while 11 were taken to a hospital for medical observation.
A resident, speaking to Daily Sun, recounted the evening.
She was watching TV when she heard loud bangs followed by a commotion and people screaming.
On stepping outside, she saw naked men running along the streets and others trying to escape through windows, with police officers all around.
The house in Sandringham where 26 kidnaped men were rescued by the cops on Thursday night. Photo by Kgomotso Medupe
The resident expressed her terror when she discovered that the neighbouring house had been hiding 26 kidnapped Ethiopian men.
“This is scary because it’s happening right under our noses. We have children living here. Imagine if they were to go missing only to find out they were kidnapped and kept right next to us,” she said.
Another resident said there are many suspicious houses in their suburb but admitted they’re scared to report them due to threats.
“When you try to report criminal activities in this area, you receive phone calls from unknown people telling you they know where you live. They threaten to come after you if you don’t keep quiet.
“All we can do is lock ourselves inside our homes and hope to be safe. But what happened last night has really shaken me. This house needs to be sold,” she said.
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Meanwhile, Hawks spokesman Colonel Philani Nkwalase said three people have been arrested in connection to the kidnapping of the men.
He said a joint operation between Sandringham police, Gauteng Hawks, Joburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and a private security company managed to dismantle a human trafficking ring.
After receiving a tip from neighbours about unusual activities at the house, authorities became concerned.
Trousers belonging to one of the men that were rescued by police in Sandringham. Photo by Kgomotso Medupe
Upon arrival, they found 15 naked individuals, believed to be Ethiopian nationals, held captive inside the house.
Eleven others were transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
“Preliminary investigation by the joint team revealed that the victims broke open a window and burglar bar and escaped. Few were rounded up in the area close to the crime scene while others escaped.”
He added that three suspects have been detained for allegedly being involved in human trafficking and illegal possession of a firearm.
Nkwalase said the matter was referred to the Gauteng Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further exploration, and the 26 undocumented individuals are currently being processed to determine their status as trafficking victims.
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