Update: 32 of 50 Ethiopian Nationals Held Hostage Found In Police Custody

The Gauteng police have confirmed that 32 of the 50 Ethiopian nationals who reportedly escaped from a house in Lombardy East, Johannesburg, after being allegedly held hostage, are now in custody.

Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, a provincial police spokesperson, stated that the individuals in custody range in age from 13 to 24 years.

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The group is facing charges of illegal immigration while investigations continue.

Police Respond To Community Tip-Off

The dramatic escape unfolded on Wednesday when the community alerted the police about strange individuals seen running through the streets.

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According to Lieutenant Colonel Masondo, police were notified around 9 AM by local community patrollers who reported seeing people, some naked, fleeing the area.

Officers quickly responded, and upon reaching the scene, they discovered a group of eight individuals in a nearby shop.

These victims, mostly men, appeared to have been in distress, with some half-naked.

Police attempted to question the victims but faced a language barrier that hindered their progress.

Further investigation revealed that more individuals were still inside a house nearby, leading to the discovery of 32 more victims.

Preliminary investigations confirmed that all the individuals were Ethiopian nationals.

Ongoing Investigations And Search For House Owner

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The police are still investigating the origins of the group, including who brought them into the country and their purpose for being held in the house.

The police are actively seeking an interpreter to assist in questioning the victims.

Masondo also revealed that the house where the individuals were allegedly held is rented.

The landlord does not live there, and the tenant, who is also a foreign national, is now being sought for questioning.

Authorities believe the tenant may hold crucial information regarding the case.

In a similar case earlier this year, the police rescued 15 Ethiopian nationals who were found in another Lombardy East house, also suspected to be involved in human trafficking.

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