Six people have been arrested in Louis Trichardt and Thohoyandou on suspicion of human trafficking, Limpopo police said on Sunday.
One Indian man and five Ethiopian men were arrested on Saturday after 47 people were rescued, said Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi.
Police organised a sting operation after a kidnapping case was reported.
The complainant told police that 47 Ethiopians were being held against their will and that he had been ordered to pay R10,000 for their release.
Mulaudzi said two arrests were initially made and five people were rescued. After the two were questioned, more arrests were made.
Mulaudzi said the 47 were in good health and had been taken to a place of safety. - Sapa