90 Ethiopian Migrants Rescued in Johannesburg

90 Ethiopian Migrants Rescued in Johannesburg

Johannesburg, South Africa – In a significant operation, South African police have rescued 90 Ethiopian migrants who were being held against their will in Johannesburg. The rescue occurred during a search for a reported kidnapping victim at the property on Sunday. The migrants were found crammed into small rooms, under inhumane conditions, indicative of illegal trafficking, police reported.

Two individuals have been arrested on charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. The alleged kidnapping victim, who was also found at the property, was safely rescued. The migrants, who were believed to have been trafficked through several southern African countries, have been taken to a hospital for medical care.

The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the trafficking of Ethiopian migrants, a growing issue in the region. Interpol and other authorities have documented numerous cases of migrants being transported in dangerous conditions.

Tragically, such incidents are not isolated. In 2020, 64 Ethiopian migrants were found dead in a freight container in Mozambique. In 2022, mass graves in Malawi and Zambia contained the bodies of 30 and 27 Ethiopian migrants, respectively.

These incidents underscore the severe risks faced by migrants seeking better opportunities in South Africa.