Zimbabwean girl rescued after being chained in Johannesburg home

A Zimbabwean girl believed to be between 14 and 16 years old, was rescued by private security company Cap Security in Waverly, near Bramley, Johannesburg. She saw the light on 3rd August, 2025, after months of being chained.

According to reports, the girl had been kept locked inside a house by a man known as Mthoko, also from Zimbabwe, who allegedly forced her to live as his wife. It is further alleged that the victim's mother, who resides in Zimbabwe, sold her to the suspect.

The girl was reportedly chained, hidden from the public, and subjected to sexual abuse always. Neighbours raised concerns after noticing unusual activity around the property, which ultimately led to her rescue.

The matter was allegedly reported to the Bramley police station. However, it is alleged that the suspect bribed certain police officers, enabling him to evade justice. To date, no arrest has been made, and the suspect is believed to remain at large.

The case has sparked outrage among community members and activists, who are calling for urgent intervention from higher authorities to ensure justice for the victim and accountability for any police officers who may have been involved in shielding the suspect.

Authorities have been urged to prioritise the investigation and protect the victim, while pressure mounts for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to step in.