By Johnathan Paoli
The International Relations and Cooperation Department has confirmed the safe return of 23 citizens who were rescued from human traffickers in Myanmar after being lured overseas by false job opportunities.
The victims arrived in South Africa on Thursday after a complex repatriation effort facilitated by the department and the Border Management Authority.
The group was among 7000 individuals from various countries who were held captive in a cybercrime compound near the Thai-Myanmar border and subjected to forced labour, brutal conditions and physical abuse while being coerced into participating in online scams targeting people worldwide.
The South Africans were deceived by fake employment agencies advertising lucrative overseas jobs on social media.
Once they arrived in Thailand, they were forcibly transported to Myanmar where they were held under 24-hour armed security.
Reports indicate that traffickers demanded ransoms of R50,000 for their release, with the victims enduring extreme hardships for more than four months
They were forced to work up to 16 hours a day, subjected to physical torture and intimidation, and denied access to adequate food, clean water and medical treatment, with many suffering from malnutrition and injuries from beatings.
The department, in cooperation with Thai authorities, coordinated the victims’ return as part of a bilateral agreement between South Africa and Thailand to combat human trafficking.
Social workers from the Social Development Department and investigators from the Hawks conducted initial screenings to verify identities and assess immediate needs.
“For some individuals, it might be necessary to obtain medical assistance before the screening interviews. Medical practitioners will evaluate them for any physical injuries sustained while in captivity,” said department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri.
He confirmed that all victims would receive psychosocial support and medical care. Those from outside Gauteng were being temporarily housed before reuniting with their families, while Gauteng-based victims will be transported home by the Hawks.
The Hawks have launched an investigation into the human trafficking syndicate responsible for the abductions and are working to identify local recruiters involved in luring South Africans abroad with fraudulent job offers.
The Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013 empowers law enforcement to investigate and prosecute traffickers.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to using every available resource to combat this crime and bring perpetrators to justice.
Following this incident, Phiri urged South Africans to exercise caution when considering overseas job opportunities, saying that human traffickers were constantly adapting their tactics, making scams more sophisticated and convincing.
“These criminal syndicates are highly organised and prey on vulnerable individuals. They use fake online job postings that promise high salaries and attractive benefits. Victims often believe they are entering a legitimate contract until their travel documents are confiscated upon arrival,” he said.
To avoid falling victim to trafficking schemes, the public is advised thoroughly research recruitment agencies before accepting job offers abroad, consult the department’s website or local embassies for verification.
Phiri advised South Africans to register on the department’s Travel Smart Application for safety guidance and inform family or friends about travel plans and share contact details of overseas employers.
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