Update: Police investigate human trafficking case after Ethiopian nationals escape in Johannesburg

Authorities in Johannesburg are investigating a suspected human trafficking case after more than 30 Ethiopian nationals escaped from a house in Lombardy East on Wednesday morning.

The incident has raised serious concerns about illegal immigration and human trafficking operations in South Africa. Police are now actively searching for the owner of the house, who is believed to be linked to the case.

Escape Sparks Police Investigation

According to police spokesperson Mavela Masondo, officers were called to the scene after residents in Lombardy East spotted the group running through the streets, some of them half-naked, while others sought refuge in a local shop.

Human trafficking

Upon arrival, police discovered that the Ethiopian nationals had broken down the door and shattered windows, which strongly suggested that they had been held against their will.

“We found out that they are all from Ethiopia, and a preliminary investigation led us to a house here in Lombardy East, where it is alleged that these people were being kept against their will,” Masondo stated.

Signs of Trafficking and Illegal Immigration

As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities are trying to establish how the group entered South Africa and whether they were smuggled or trafficked into the country.

“For now, we’ve classified them as illegal immigrants,” Masondo explained. “We are still working to determine how they got into the country. We suspect that they were being held against their will.”

The escape has heightened concerns about the presence of human trafficking syndicates operating in Johannesburg and across the country.

Local Residents Sound the Alarm

Community members in Lombardy East were left shocked and disturbed by the scene, with many expressing concern over the growing issue of human trafficking in South Africa.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said:
“It was a terrifying sight. Some of these people had no shoes or shirts on, and they looked extremely scared and confused.”

Others called for tighter immigration controls and stronger law enforcement measures to combat human trafficking networks.

House Linked to Previous Suspicious Activity?

Police have not yet confirmed whether the Lombardy East property had been under surveillance before the escape, but some community members reported seeing suspicious activities at the location in the past.

One neighbor stated:
“We’ve seen unfamiliar people coming in and out of that house at odd hours. But we never imagined something this serious was happening.”

Authorities are now working to identify the owner of the house, who is believed to have played a key role in the operation.

South Africa’s Human Trafficking Problem

The United Nations and human rights groups have frequently warned that South Africa has become a hub for human trafficking, with thousands of victims being smuggled into the country each year.

Many of these individuals are promised jobs and better opportunities, only to find themselves trapped in forced labor, domestic servitude, or other exploitative conditions.

The recent escape in Johannesburg is the latest in a string of similar incidents, sparking concerns that human trafficking rings continue to operate with impunity.

What Happens Next?

With investigations ongoing, police are focused on:

• Identifying the traffickers behind the Lombardy East operation.

• Tracking down the owner of the house used to hold the victims.

• Determining how the Ethiopian nationals entered South Africa.

• Providing the victims with support and protection while legal proceedings unfold.

Authorities are also urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that could be linked to human trafficking.

Conclusion

The escape of over 30 Ethiopian nationals from an alleged human trafficking operation has exposed yet another disturbing case of illegal immigration and exploitation in South Africa.

As police continue their search for the perpetrators, the case highlights the urgent need for stricter border security and stronger action against trafficking networks.

For now, the victims are safe, but the battle against human trafficking in South Africa is far from over.