Media statement 4 April 2024
Ald Grandi Theunissen
MMC for Community Safety
As the MMC for Community Safety, I am pleased to report that the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) K9 Unit executed a successful operation on 3 April 2024, leading to the arrest of two suspected human traffickers.
The duo was arrested at around 15:15 for smuggling 21 undocumented Ethiopian citizens in a bus to Johannesburg. The suspects are currently detained at Moot Police Station and the undocumented Ethiopian citizens are being interviewed by intelligence and immigration agencies.
The arrests and subsequent collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) underscores the unwavering commitment of authorities to combatting this egregious violation of human rights.
On behalf of the coalition government in Tshwane, I want to thank the TMPD members responsible for the arrests. Through vigilance and a swift deployment of resources, your efforts to thwart a despicable incident of human trafficking were an enormous success.
I urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of human trafficking or related criminal activities to the SAPS on 10111 or at your local police station.
Residents are also reminded to contact the TMPD on 012 358 7095/7096 or tmpdcomplaints@tshwane.gov.za for any by-law or traffic transgressions.
By working together, we can build safer communities where exploitation and abuse have no place.
Enquiries:
Ald Grandi Theunissen
Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba
012 358 9524 or 061 998 5138