A 47-year-old Ethiopian national arrested after a group of Ethiopian migrants were found wandering the streets of Mulbarton, south of Johannesburg, in South Africa (SA), is due to return to the Booysens Magistrates’ Court.
Mantesnot Lendido Erisado faces 12 counts of kidnapping and one count of failing to stop when instructed to do so by police.
The arrest follows a disturbing incident earlier this month when police were alerted to a group of Ethiopian nationals, aged between 20 and 30, who were seen walking barefoot and partially clothed in the Mulbarton area.
Officers attempted to stop a vehicle linked to the incident, triggering a high-speed chase through parts of Johannesburg. Two additional Ethiopian nationals were allegedly discovered inside the vehicle in the city’s central business district following the pursuit.
Erisado was arrested shortly afterwards.
Police say investigations are continuing to determine how the victims entered SA and the circumstances under which they were allegedly held. Authorities have also confirmed that the victims do not speak English, presenting challenges for investigators.
–ChannelAfrica/SABC–
