07-07-2025
Birchleigh North house raid uncovers 19 human trafficking victims
A total of 19 Ethiopian men were rescued from a house in Birchleigh North, Kempton Park, on July 4, after they were allegedly held captive and assaulted with pangas and knives.
The rescue followed after Freedom Front Plus councillor for Kempton Park, Jean Kriek, received reports of people calling for help from inside the property.
Kriek went to the house to investigate and immediately contacted the police, the EMPD and a private security company for assistance.
Also read: Gauteng is human trafficking hotspot
The men were taken to hospital for treatment following their ordeal.
A preliminary investigation revealed the men were allegedly lured from Ethiopia to South Africa under false pretences before being held captive in the house.
Their captors are suspected of demanding large sums of money from their families for their release.
The police's crime intelligence unit is currently investigating the matter.
According to Kriek, human trafficking remains a harsh reality in South Africa, particularly in Gauteng, where people are illegally held in residential areas, often unnoticed by the public.
Also read: Man busted for attempted human trafficking at OR Tambo Airport
'Both the Global Organized Crime Index and Global Slavery Index have listed South Africa as a hotspot for human trafficking, with an estimated 250 000 people believed to be trapped in modern slavery conditions in the country.'
Kriek said the incident underscores the urgency of dismantling trafficking syndicates, improving border control, and fostering better cooperation between communities, security services, and law enforcement agencies.
He thanked the Norkem Park SAPS, EMPD, MML Security, Elite Force Risk Solutions, Guards Must Be Crazy, and Crowned Elite for their swift response in assisting with the rescue.
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