Pretoria: Pretoria Central Police successfully rescued 33 Ethiopian nationals who were allegedly held against their will, and arrested three suspects involved in the operation. The rescue took place in Polokwane on January 22, 2025, following an investigation by a dedicated team of five detectives from the Pretoria Central Police Station.
According to South African Police Service, the investigation began after a kidnapping case was opened at the Pretoria Central Police Station. The team, consisting of a Warrant Officer and four Sergeants, utilized thorough investigative techniques and intelligence-driven information to locate the victims in Polokwane, Limpopo Province.
On the evening of January 23, 2024, the detectives identified a plot where the victims were being held. Upon their arrival, they discovered thirty-three Ethiopian males, aged between 17 and 28, who had been kept against their will. The police also recovered a pellet gun, a pistol with a filed-off serial number, and two magazines loaded with live rounds of ammunition. Additionally, a Toyota Quantum minibus, which was used to transport the victims, was seized.
The three arrested suspects face charges of kidnapping and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The successful rescue operation highlights the effectiveness of the collaboration and investigative skills of the Pretoria Central Police.