"Aowa": Man Accused of Kidnapping 50 Ethiopian Nationals Appears in Court
- The man accused of abducting 50 Ethiopian nationals has appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court
- The accused is facing human trafficking and kidnapping charges and an additional one of extortion
- Social media users have questioned the strength of the justice system in dealing with the case
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The man suspected of kidnapping 50 Ethiopian nationals and operating a human trafficking ring in South Africa appeared in court for the first time on Monday.
The 49-year-old man, who is also an Ethiopian immigrant, has been identified as Abdi Ahmed Kafecho.
Source: UGC
He appeared briefly in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court before the case was postponed until 25 October for further police investigations.
News24 reported that the accused, who was arrested on Thursday, 14 October, following a tip-off to police, faces charges including human trafficking and kidnapping.
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Following the information, authorities traced Kafecho to a property in Zakariyya Park, near Eldorado Park, where 50 Ethiopian nationals aged between 12 and 50 were discovered.
Group held against will
Allegedly, Kafecho led the hoard to the rented house, where they were kept against their will after they had arrived in the country to reunite with family members. It is unknown how long the group were trapped inside the house, Jaracanda reported.
The online community remains stunned at the news as social media users took to Twitter to air their thoughts.
Others took the opportunity to shoot down the ruling party, accusing it of malice and a systemic failure.
Saffas conjure up own theories
Briefly News sorts through the reactions to bring readers all the interesting commentary.
@das_liberty wrote:
"This has been happening for years across the country. Possibly this time they went too far."
@MtutuFromMzansi said:
"ANC is not serious about governing this country. What stops them from securing the borders of this country? That bastard is gonna get bail and change his name and continue where he left off."
@Island_Tribe17 added:
"Surely, he cannot be the only one trafficking 50 people!"
Alleged human trafficking discovered in Joburg home, 50 men rescued
In a previously published news story, Briefly News reported that the 50 men were rescued by Johannesburg police on Thursday last week following reports of a human trafficking ring.
The large group from East Africa were located in a house in Lenasia. SAPS reportedly sprung into action and saved the men from the house in Zakariyya Park.
Reports explained that cops were undercover when they arrived at the house in a fleet of unmarked cars.
The police encircled the house where the group was found inside, mostly without shoes. According to an officer who was present at the scene, some men were found hiding in the ceiling.
The cop revealed that one of the victims they rescued is estimated to be around 11 years old. According to News24, SAPS responded to a warning they received following the arrest of a suspect.
The suspect led them to the home in Lenasia. The report explained that a few of the lights in the house were removed in order to curb thoughts of suspicious activities.
Source: Briefly News
