South African Police Find 90 Ethiopian Immigrants Locked in House

South African police recently made a harrowing discovery in Johannesburg. During a search operation for a man kidnapped earlier in the week, officers stumbled upon 90 Ethiopian migrants confined in locked rooms under inhuman conditions.

The police spokesman revealed that these individuals were being held against their will, and two suspects were arrested on charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.

The Ethiopians were found "packed into rooms" and subsequently taken to a medical facility for necessary care. Among the group was the man initially reported kidnapped, for whom the kidnappers had demanded thousands of rands in ransom.

This incident signifies the ongoing issue of human trafficking and the perilous journeys many migrants undertake in search of better opportunities.

Despite South Africa's sluggish economic growth, it remains a magnet for migrants from across the continent, particularly from Malawi, Lesotho, the Horn of Africa, and Zimbabwe. Many flee their home countries due to food insecurity and other dire conditions.

This latest incident is reminiscent of a similar case last September when 102 undocumented foreign nationals, mostly Ethiopians, were found in a house in the east of Johannesburg. They were reportedly brought to South Africa to operate general stores.