Suspect denies charges in Kempton Park human trafficking case
The case relates to the rescue of a number of Ethiopian men who were allegedly held captive in a house on July 4.
The victims were reportedly lured to South Africa under false pretences, assaulted, and held while their captors demanded large sums of money from their families for their release.
The accused, Fekada Eshetu Dinago, faces charges of human trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion.
The Kempton Express' request for court photography was denied by Dinago's legal representative and upheld by the court.
Also read: Birchleigh North house raid uncovers 19 human trafficking victims
During the court proceedings, Dinago, in an affidavit read by his lawyer, claimed he was contacted by the police on the day of his arrest after his cousin, identified as Ashenavhe Marcus, provided officers with his contact number.
He said he met with the police and was surprised when they allegedly demanded R10 000 for the release of his relative.
'I told the police what they were doing was wrong and that I would report them. All hell broke loose as soon as I said that. I was placed in handcuffs, told I was forward, and that I would be taught a lesson,' Dinago stated.
Dinago alleged he witnessed money being exchanged for the release of the victims and claimed he was arrested because he refused to pay a bribe.
He added that on arriving at the police station, he was informed he was being charged with human trafficking.
'I am said to be charged with human trafficking, but I am informed that the children I allegedly trafficked are appearing in another court for illegal immigration,' Dinago stated, challenging the State to subject him to an identity parade.
Also read: Man bust for attempted human trafficking at OR Tambo Airport
He argued that there were gaps in the State's case, which he said should be considered as exceptional circumstances for bail.
However, Regional Court Prosecutor Sibongile Nxumalo presented evidence from investigating officer Sergeant Suzan Ngwanatsamago Maloka of the Hawks.
Maloka testified that on July 4, officers received information about a group of Ethiopian nationals being held at a property on Julia Street in Norkem Park without their consent.
On arrival, nine Ethiopian men without valid documentation were found locked inside the house. Some were found naked and locked inside bedrooms with reinforced steel doors, while three had sustained injuries, with blood visible on the floors. The injured victims were taken to hospital.
Maloka alleged that while police were detaining the suspects at Norkem Park SAPS, Dinago arrived and allegedly offered officers R200 000 for the release of the detained men.
She further claimed Dinago attempted to force his way into the holding cells, blocking the cell gate. The detained men reportedly moved away from him and gestured to officers that they were afraid of him.
Also read: Gauteng is human trafficking hot spot
Maloka testified that when officers visited Dinago's stated address in Swazi-Inn, Thembisa, as part of the court's verification process, a woman at the property denied knowing Dinago. A second address linked to Dinago also proved unreliable, raising concerns about his ties to the community.
'For the fact that the accused provided a wrong address during his arrest and as the matter falls under Schedule 6, there is a likelihood that if released, he will evade his court appearances or trial,' Maloka said.
She added that there were concerns about the accused endangering public safety or committing further offences if released on bail, and highlighted that a panga was found in his possession, while three victims sustained critical injuries.
Maloka also informed the court that Dinago, an Ethiopian national, holds an asylum seeker permit, which has been sent to the Department of Home Affairs for verification.
The rescue operation followed after Freedom Front Plus councillor for Kempton Park, Jean Kriek, received reports of people calling for help from inside the property.
Kriek went to the house to investigate and contacted the police, EMPD, and a private security company, leading to the rescue of the men, who were then taken to hospital for treatment.
The matter was adjourned to July 21 for the verification of Dinago's asylum seeker permit.
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