Police union praises SAPS for suspected human trafficking bust in Sandringham

JOHANNESBURG - The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the arrest of alleged human traffickers in Sandringham, Johannesburg.

Three individuals were nabbed on charges of human trafficking on Friday.

This after 26 people suspected to be Ethiopian nationals, who were held captive inside a house in the area were rescued.

Police said the discovery was made following a tip-off from neighbours about suspicious activity at the house on Luster Road. When police arrived at the house, they found 15 naked Ethiopian men held captive in the house.

Another group of 11 victims escaped from the house and were found around the area, also naked.

The union said that the arrest reflects the commitment to tackling serious crimes that threaten the safety and dignity of vulnerable individuals.

POPCRU's Richard Mamabolo highlighted the importance of proactive policing and intelligence-driven operations.

"The union notes that such successes are a testament to the critical role law enforcement plays in protecting communities and dismantling criminal networks."