47 Ethiopian men were rescued on the weekend from being sold into slavery by a human-trafficking syndicate in Limpopo. Snatched for ransom, those whose families can’t pay, have their relatives unwillingly sold into slavery in SA. The United Nations now estimates that there are more than 27 million slaves in the world.

A source revealed to the Star newspaper at the weekend that this is in fact a “common” problem in South Africa.

The Ethiopian man, who didn’t want to be identified, said:

This thing is common, especially close to the borders. People abduct them and demand money from relatives. Generally it is because when they are being smuggled to SA, they promise to pay some of the money. Sometimes they reach here and are unwilling to pay, so for a smuggler to get his money they must hold that person and contact his family.

Sadly, it’s their fellow countrymen that often bring these men in, as is the case with the 47 men rescued at the weekend.

Police spokesman, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, said all the men were in good health and were being kept in a place of safety.

An Indian man and five Ethiopian men were arrested during the police sting operations and rescue missions that took place on Saturday.

Mulaudzi confirmed their proposed plight:

They had been destined to become slaves in different parts of the province.

He continued:

Police organised a sting operation after a kidnapping case was reported. The complainant told the police that 47 Ethiopians were being held against their will. He said five of his family members were there and that he had been ordered to pay R10 000 for their release. The six suspects are being investigated and we believe they may be linked to other activities of a similar nature in other countries. They are ringleaders, but we believe there are more people involved.

It’s alleged that the group had arrived at Musina, on the border with Zimbabwe, during the course of last week.

From there, they were transported from the refugee centre under mysterious circumstances, and taken to safe houses in Makhado and Thohoyandou.

Five of the Ethiopians were rescued after an operation in the Makhado area, and the other 42 from a house next to the University of Venda.

All six suspects are due to appear at the Musina Magistrate’s Court on charges of kidnapping today.

The Ethiopian businessman said SA’s problem arose out of would-be immigrants. They agree to pay networks to get them to SA, much the same as with international trafficking rings.

But many couldn’t pay, and this was why they ended up being sold off as slaves. He said he had paid R5 000 for his own entry to SA.

People abduct them and demand money from relatives. Generally it is because when they are being smuggled to SA, they promise to pay some of the money. Sometimes they reach here and are unwilling to pay, so for a smuggler to get his money they must hold that person and contact his family. There is no fixed periods when you come to South Africa.

Desmond D’Sa, a Legal Resources Centre activist, also admitted modern slavery in SA was common:

We are seeing more and more people being brought in through human trafficking and sold. Their families are often back home under threat, so they work and work and don’t get paid. For too long South Africa has not been very kind to the foreign community… They come here for freedom. We should ensure people are not victimised.

This is allowed to continue in an era when South Africa is a beacon of hope for many people.

He said there were a lot of cases from Pakistan.

[Source: IOL]