Human trafficking: Ten half-naked teenage boys rescued in Johannesburg, foreign national arrested
A 47-year-old foreign national has been arrested after 10 half-naked boys were found in Mulbarton, Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Colonel Katlego Mogale, provincial spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), said members from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department were performing their patrol when they were alerted to a bizarre scenario unfolding in Broad Street
“They were alerted to a group of eight half-naked teenagers walking on foot. Upon further inquiries, the officers established that the teenagers were foreign nationals who could not speak English,” said Mogale.
“The officers were also informed that there were two more boys who had already been taken away in a blue VW Jetta. The vehicle was later intercepted along the street, but the driver fled, resulting in a high-speed chase,” added Mogale.
The driver was eventually arrested in Johannesburg CBD on Commissioner Street, following the arrest, officers managed to rescue the other boys.
Colonel Mogale confirmed that the suspect is facing significant charges, including being in the country illegally and suspicion of human trafficking. He is expected to appear before the Booysens Magistrates Court on Thursday, where the full extent of the charges will be addressed.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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