POLOKWANE, LIMPOPO — Police in Polokwane are investigating a suspected human trafficking case after community members discovered 23 young men and women living in inhospitable conditions inside a local residence.
The investigation began after upset residents at Legae La Batho alerted authorities to the property, where the group was found living in severe conditions. Prior to the police raid, the community had been informed that the young people were working in the area as insurance brokers.
Limpopo Police Spokesperson Col. Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that officers have opened a formal inquiry to determine the exact nature of the situation and the roles of the 23 individuals found at the residence.
“We are not 100% sure what is actually happening, what is the role of all these 23 people,” Col. Ledwaba stated. He noted that investigators are currently busy obtaining statements from those involved and are working to reach everyone who was at the house. He also confirmed that one of the individuals in question is allegedly in the country illegally.
Immigration officials have taken a 30-year-old Nigerian national, identified as David Oliseh, into custody for questioning. Police allege that Oliseh, who leased the house where the group was staying, is in the country on expired immigration documents.
Oliseh has vehemently denied the allegations of human trafficking and illegal status. Maintaining that he is properly documented and has committed no crime, he described the young adults living in his rented house as his colleagues.
“We are working with a sales and marketing company, and I’m actually very surprised that they say it’s trafficking. I don’t know why they use the word trafficking,” Oliseh said.
Addressing the living conditions, Oliseh acknowledged that the house is unfurnished and lacks beds. He explained that the young men and women occupy separate rooms but maintained that it is up to the occupants to procure their own bedding.
Despite his defense, the Legae La Batho community remains deeply concerned for the well-being of the young residents. While acknowledging the region’s high unemployment rates, locals emphasized that they will not tolerate exploitation.
Community members reported that the landlord is not providing food for the young adults. Residents are now urging authorities to intervene and deport the individuals so they can be returned to their parents, noting that the families are completely unaware of the group’s current living conditions.
Investigations into the suspected human trafficking ring are ongoing as police continue to verify statements and assess the living arrangements at the property.
