About 13 Ethiopian nationals, including four minors aged between 14 and 15, were discovered in a house in Parkview, Johannesburg, on Tuesday evening.
The Gauteng Hawks, South Africa’s elite police unit, have launched an inquiry to determine whether this incident involves human trafficking or smuggling. Additionally, authorities are working to identify the owner of the property.
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According to Capt Ndivhuwo Mulamu, the Gauteng Hawks spokesperson, seven individuals have been taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained while attempting to evade the authorities.
The minors have been placed in a safe location. Due to the ongoing investigation, Mulamu stated that limited information can be disclosed at this time.
The discovery of these Ethiopian nationals raises concerns about potential human rights violations and criminal activities.
Human trafficking and smuggling are serious offenses that exploit vulnerable individuals for profit. The authorities are taking this matter seriously and will continue to investigate to ensure justice is served.
It is crucial to address these issues promptly and comprehensively, as they pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of individuals involved.
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Efforts should be made to identify and dismantle criminal networks involved in such activities, while also providing support and assistance to the victims.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.