POLOKWANE, LIMPOPO — A Polokwane human trafficking probe was launched after authorities discovered 23 young adults living in squalid, unfurnished conditions inside a local rental property. The investigation began when concerned residents reported the disturbing situation at a house in the Legae La Batho area, also known locally as Lalabati in Puluani.
The individuals, comprising both young men and women, were initially introduced to the neighborhood as insurance brokers. However, the community grew suspicious of their living arrangements and overall well-being. Locals report that the residence is completely unfurnished, lacking even basic beds, and that the occupants are not being provided with food. While the young men and women are separated into different rooms, the overall environment has been described as highly inhospitable.
Limpopo Police Spokesperson Col. Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that officers pounced on the property following the community’s tip-off. An official inquiry has been opened to unravel the exact circumstances surrounding the group’s living situation.
“We are not 100% sure what is actually happening, what is the role of all these 23 people,” Col. Ledwaba explained. He noted that investigators are actively gathering statements and tracking down everyone who was present at the house to determine the true nature of their stay. He also verified that at least one individual in the group is allegedly an undocumented foreign national.
At the center of the investigation is David Oliseh, a 30-year-old Nigerian national who leased the property. Law enforcement and immigration officials took Oliseh into custody, alleging that his immigration papers have expired and that he is residing in the country illegally.
Oliseh, however, strongly disputes these claims. Maintaining his innocence, he insists his documentation is valid and categorically denies any involvement in exploiting the young adults.
“I didn’t commit any crime. I did not traffic anybody,” Oliseh stated. He claims the 23 individuals are simply his colleagues employed by a sales and marketing firm. Addressing the lack of furniture, he argued that the occupants are responsible for procuring their own bedding. “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,” he added.
Despite Oliseh’s defense, the Legae La Batho community remains steadfast in its demand for intervention. While sympathetic to the broader issue of regional unemployment, residents refuse to turn a blind eye to what they perceive as blatant exploitation.
“We will not allow them to be exploited because they say their boss is a Nigerian guy,” a community member asserted, noting that immigration officers had already escorted the suspect away. The locals are now urging authorities to deport the group and notify their families, emphasizing that the young adults’ parents are entirely unaware of the grim conditions their children are enduring.
The Polokwane human trafficking investigation remains active as police continue to verify the employment claims and assess the welfare of the 23 individuals.