South Africans Rescued from Human Trafficking in Myanmar Following False Job Promises

Pretoria – A total of 23 South Africans, deceived by false job promises overseas via social media, have been rescued from Myanmar.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) announced on Thursday, 27 March 2025, that these individuals were part of a larger group of 7,000 people from various nations.

Victims rescued alongside the South Africans hailed from countries such as China, Vietnam, India, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kenya, Taiwan, Nepal, Uganda, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Bangladesh, Namibia, Rwanda, Tunisia, the Czech Republic, Laos, Romania, Algeria, and Singapore.

DIRCO confirmed that 23 South Africans were included among the victims freed from Myanmar.

“Our citizens returned to South Africa a few hours ago, assisted by DIRCO and the Border Management Authority,” the department stated in a release made available to The Bulrushes.

“DIRCO facilitated the repatriation of South African nationals and provided financial support.”

According to DIRCO, these individuals were enticed to the Kingdom of Thailand under misleading pretenses by an employment agency.

Their social media advertisements promised lucrative salaries, free lodging, comprehensive travel expenses, and other attractive benefits.

“Upon their arrival in Thailand, they were forcibly transported to Myanmar,” the department disclosed.

“The victims endured over four months of captivity in a cybercrime compound in Myanmar, which shares a border with Thailand.

“They were subjected to severe mistreatment, including intimidation, physical torture, and forced labor.

“Additionally, they were coerced into engaging in illegal activities, such as online scams aimed at individuals worldwide.”

DIRCO reported that the South Africans were held under constant armed surveillance, with a ransom of approximately R50,000 demanded for their liberation.

“They were obliged to work 16 hours daily and were often beaten or tortured if they refused, surviving on spoiled food and contaminated water without any access to medical care,” the department highlighted.

“The return of the South African victims was part of a bilateral cooperation agreement aimed at combating human trafficking and other forms of transnational organized crime, signed by Thailand and South Africa in 2023.

The government expresses gratitude towards the Thai authorities for their role in facilitating the victims’ repatriation.”

Victim support

The Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) have initiated preliminary screenings of the victims to confirm their identities and gather family information.

Social workers from the DSD will assist the DPCI in conducting further screening interviews, as these individuals were not officially screened in Myanmar or Thailand.

For some, it may be necessary to obtain medical assistance prior to the screening interviews.

After the screening interviews, DPCI will transport the victims to health facilities for health screenings.

Medical professionals will evaluate any physical injuries sustained during their captivity in Myanmar to assess the need for medical support.

In addition to ongoing psychosocial support, the DSD will provide temporary accommodation for those from outside Gauteng, allowing them to reconnect with their families.

The DPCI will arrange transport for victims residing in Gauteng to their homes after the screening interviews and health assessments are completed.

The DPCI will conduct an investigation and schedule follow-up appointments with the victims to collect comprehensive statements, considering their emotional and physical well-being.

The DPCI continues to collaborate with all pertinent government departments to ensure the victims’ safety and well-being and to facilitate the arrest and conviction of traffickers in South Africa.

The South African Government firmly condemns human trafficking and has implemented relevant legislation to address this serious crime.

The Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013 (Act 7 of 2013) imposes obligations on members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies to provide necessary assistance and protection to trafficked victims and to investigate trafficking and related offenses.

National Instruction 4 of 2015 ensures that SAPS complies with these obligations by providing clear directives on rendering assistance and protection to trafficking victims while investigating the offenses outlined in the Act.

Furthermore, the government has developed the National Policy Framework on the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons and has adopted a multidisciplinary and intersectoral approach for the implementation of these policies.

The National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons, along with Provincial Task Teams and Rapid Response Teams, has been established to address human trafficking.

These committees include representatives from government departments, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, traditional leaders, and academia, working together to protect trafficking victims.

The government urges the public to exercise extreme caution when considering job opportunities abroad.

Recent reports have revealed a troubling pattern in which individuals are enticed to Thailand with the promise of high-paying jobs, only to be trafficked to Myanmar and forced to work in scam operations under inhumane conditions.

Unethical human traffickers continually adapt their techniques to outsmart law enforcement efforts.

These organized criminal syndicates excel at identifying and recruiting potential victims.

They craft job offers that appear highly appealing and realistic, often posting fake advertisements online that promise generous salaries and enticing perks.

While these offers may seem legitimate, they are specifically designed to deceive and exploit vulnerable job seekers.

Victims often believe they are entering into valid employment contracts until their travel documents are confiscated upon arrival.

Steps to prevent being trafficked

Be vigilant and take steps to protect yourself from becoming a trafficking victim.

Before accepting overseas employment, ensure you thoroughly research and validate the recruitment agency. Consult the local embassy or DIRCO for guidance.

If an employment offer seems too good to be true, approach it with caution and skepticism.

All countries with embassies and liaison offices located in South Africa are listed on the DIRCO website: www.dirco.gov.za.

Make sure to register on the DIRCO Travel Smart Application, a digital platform providing support and information to South African citizens traveling or residing abroad.

If you suspect that someone you care about is a victim of human trafficking, report the situation to the SAPS Crime Stop hotline: 08000 10111, the nearest police station, the DSD, or a designated child protection organization.

Use the following helplines to report suspected human trafficking incidents:

• Childline – 116

• Film and Publication Board – 0800 148 148

• GBV Command Centre – 0800 428 428

• National Human Trafficking Hotline – 0800 222 777.

Keep in mind that traffickers may not only be strangers offering lucrative employment opportunities; they could also be individuals you know or trust.

It is your responsibility to verify job opportunities, as human traffickers exploit vulnerability and ignorance.

If you are offered a job away from family, always inform them of your travel plans and provide the contact information of the person you will be dealing with.

This makes tracking easier for law enforcement agencies.

If you find yourself a victim of human trafficking or know someone in a similar position, seek help immediately.

Contact the nearest South African embassy or consulate for assistance. Report to local law enforcement or international organizations focused on combating human trafficking.

Your safety and well-being are crucial. Stay alert and take measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling prey to these malicious scams.

Let us unite and combat human trafficking together.