Mpumalanga police rescued up to 19 Bangladeshi nationals from an alleged human trafficker in Kamagugu, Nelspruit.
The alleged kidnapper, 52-year-old male, kept the Bangladeshi men in a three-bedroom house and confiscated their cellphones. Police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said the accused is also a Bangladeshi National.
Brigadier Mohalala also added that the Ehlanzeni District Intelligence Task Team carried out a thorough search of the property on Monday.
“It is still unclear who the masterminds behind the wannabe human trafficking syndicate were,” Mohlala said.
He went on to add that, “Investigations continue to probe their destination and the kingpins. However, Preliminary Investigations suggests that some were en route to Middleburg and Johannesburg.”
The 52-year-old suspect will appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate Court on Human Trafficking charges following his arrest on Monday while the victims will face charges of violating the immigration Act.
