South African police have rescued 26 migrants, believed to be from Ethiopia, who had been held captive in a house in Johannesburg.
Fifteen were found naked inside the property while the 11 others – who had injuries – were located nearby.
The discovery was made on Thursday evening in a north-eastern suburb of the city following a tip-off from neighbours, the police said. Three people have been arrested.
It is not clear how the migrants ended up in South Africa but the authorities are investigating whether they were victims of trafficking.
In a statement, the police said they had dismantled “a human-trafficking ring”.
Officials have not given any details about the conditions the migrants were held in or why some were naked.
Those who were found close to the crime scene had broken “open a window and burglar bar and escaped”, according to Col Philani Nkwalase, spokesperson for the Hawks, a national police agency specialising in serious crimes.
Those who had been injured when trying to flee were taken to hospital for further treatment.
he three suspects being held by police were found with an illegal firearm and are accused of being involved in human trafficking.
“The matter was referred… for further exploration and the 26 undocumented individuals are currently being processed to determine their status as trafficking victims,” Col Nkwalase said.
In August last year 90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals were found allegedly held against their will and in inhumane conditions at a house to the east of Johannesburg.
Local police, in an operation involving other agencies, stumbled across the group while searching for a kidnapping victim, who was also found at the house.
