19 Bangladeshi nationals rescued from human traffickers in South Africa

Mpumalanga police rescued 19 Bangladeshi nationals from an alleged human trafficker in Kamagugu, Nelspruit. 

The alleged kidnapper, 52, kept the Bangladeshi men in a three-bedroom house and confiscated their cellphones, reports News24.

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said the accused is also a Bangladeshi national.

He added that the Ehlanzeni District Intelligence Task Team searched the property on Monday.

It is still unclear who the masterminds behind the "wannabe human trafficking syndicate" were, Mohlala said. 

"Our investigation continues to probe their destination and the kingpins. However, preliminary investigation suggests that some were en route to Middelburg and Johannesburg," he said. 

The 52-year-old suspect will appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court on human trafficking charges following his arrest on Monday. The victims will face charges of violating the Immigration Act.