At least 32 foreign nationals were rescued on the morning of March 26, 2025, after they managed to escape from a house where they were allegedly held hostage in Lombardy East, Johannesburg. This alarming incident has raised serious concerns about ongoing criminal activities in the area, particularly regarding human trafficking.
According to Gauteng Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo, the ages of the individuals rescued range from 13 to 24 years. The police received a call around 9 a.m. from community patrollers who reported seeing strange people running in the streets, some of whom were naked. Witnesses described hearing shouting from the property before they saw individuals fleeing in different directions.
Masondo explained that upon arriving at the scene, officers found eight individuals inside a nearby shop who could not communicate in any South African language. Following further investigation, they discovered an additional 24 people who had escaped from the house. The total number of individuals rescued was confirmed to be 32, all of whom were reportedly kept against their will.
One neighbor recounted the commotion that unfolded on that fateful morning. "I heard noises and was alarmed by the commotion outside. When I looked, I saw scores of foreign nationals running down the street, some naked and others carrying bread," they said. This incident marks a troubling pattern, as it is the second reported case of kidnapped undocumented foreigners in Lombardy East within a short period.
In a previous incident on January 9, 2025, 26 foreign nationals escaped from a house in Rembrandt Park, leading to the arrest of three suspects. The authorities are now on high alert, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
Masondo stated that preliminary investigations suggest that all the rescued individuals are of Ethiopian nationality. They are currently facing charges related to illegal immigration while the police continue their inquiries to determine how they were brought into South Africa and the intentions behind their captivity.
Masondo noted, "We are still investigating because we are not certain who brought them into the country, why they were brought here, or what the intention was. We are also trying to get an interpreter to assist us with the investigations." The police are actively searching for the owner of the property where the victims were held, as they believe that person may provide crucial information regarding the case.
It has been reported that the house in question is being rented, and the tenant is also a foreign national. Masondo emphasized the importance of identifying the owner to aid in the investigation. "We are told that the house is being rented, and the owner does live there. The person who is staying there is a tenant, who is also a foreign national," he said.
First responders, including Keneen Hing from 1Track, received a distress message reporting people screaming in the area. When they arrived, they found individuals running from the house. Hing recounted, "We found about eight victims inside the house. They told us they had been kept hostage. Then we asked for directions and proceeded to the Alexander Riverpark area, where we found another 15 suspects with Sandringham SAPS."
As the investigation unfolds, police are collaborating with other departments, including the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Social Development, to verify the status of the rescued individuals, especially the minors.
Masondo expressed concern about the vulnerability of these young individuals, stating, "Indeed we will work with the Border Management Authority (BMA) to try and find a workable solution because you will find out that there are people as young as 13 that are in the country illegally. We keep on wondering how did they end up in our country? But we will work with BMA to fight this."
Some of the victims have reported being lured to South Africa with promises of jobs and better opportunities, only to find themselves trapped in dire circumstances. Masondo revealed that some of the victims may have been held in captivity for nearly a year, raising further questions about the extent of human trafficking in the region.
As police continue their investigation, they are also seeking an Ethiopian translator to facilitate communication with the detained individuals, who do not speak English. The urgency of this situation is underscored by the fact that many of the victims are minors, highlighting the need for swift action to protect vulnerable populations.
Authorities are determined to get to the bottom of this disturbing case, and Masondo has assured the public that they are committed to ensuring justice for the victims. "For now, no one has been arrested. It’s only the people we have taken in as illegal immigrants, but investigations are ongoing to determine the owner of the house where the suspects were allegedly kept against their will. We are still looking for that person," he stated.
This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly those who are undocumented. As the police work tirelessly to unravel the details of this case, community members are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting any suspicious activities that may indicate human trafficking or other criminal activities.
In light of these events, residents are encouraged to utilize available resources, such as the Safer City emergency app, to report any concerns. The safety of all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations, remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies.
