Suspected human trafficker appears in court as Hawks probe organised crime links

A suspected human trafficker appeared in court on Thursday following the rescue of twelve Ethiopian teenage boys found wandering half-naked in Johannesburg South, in what authorities believe may be part of a larger trafficking operation.

The 47-year-old Ethiopian national made a brief appearance at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court, where he faces twelve counts of kidnapping and an additional charge of failing to stop for police. The victims are believed to be between 13 and 19 years old.

The appearance was held under tight security, with media barred from photographing or filming the accused as an identity parade is still outstanding.

Proceedings were briefly disrupted when the accused claimed he did not fully understand English, despite having lived in South Africa for more than two decades.

The matter was postponed to Friday, with the accused remanded in custody and bail not yet considered.

Authorities say the arrests followed a coordinated operation involving the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, SAPS Mondeor, private security and the Hawks. Officers were alerted after spotting several young boys walking along Broad Street in Mulbarton, many wearing only underwear and unable to communicate in English.

Police later intercepted a blue VW Jetta carrying two additional victims after a high-speed chase through the Johannesburg CBD, bringing the total number of rescued boys to twelve.

The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Unit has since taken over the investigation to determine whether the suspect is linked to a broader human trafficking syndicate operating across Gauteng.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe