Somali, Ethiopian migrants escape alleged captivity in Johannesburg suburb..

Migrants, believed to be from Somalia and Ethiopia, are seen fleeing a house in Lombardy East, Johannesburg, on March 26, 2025. Authorities say more than 50 individuals escaped what is suspected to be unlawful detainment under the guise of promised employment..

The South African Police Service (SAPS) responded around 9 a.m. after community patrollers and neighbours reported hearing screams, broken glass, and the sight of people running through the streets — some partially clothed, others clutching loaves of bread. Private security was first on the scene before alerting authorities.

The escapees were transported to Sandringham Police Station, where they remain in custody while their statements are being collected. According to police spokesperson Colonel Kaha of the Hawks, the case is not currently classified as human trafficking. “The victims’ statements have not yet been taken, and we are investigating this under a violation of the Immigration Act,” she said.

An Ethiopian community translator, Adise Chuafmaa Jarse, told reporters that some of the migrants said they had been held for months without food or clothing and were promised jobs in South Africa. “I asked them how they are keeping, how they get their food. No food and no clothes. And they beat them badly. Sometimes people die — they must throw away,” she said

One neighbour, who declined to be named for safety reasons, said she recorded the dramatic escape and alerted both private security and police. “They were screaming. Some were naked, others holding bread. It was terrifying,” she told reporters, Police have yet to confirm the total number of escapees. Initial reports placed the number at around 50, but SAPS later confirmed that 32 to 34 were in custody as of Wednesday evening, with the youngest being just 13 years old.