23 South Africans rescued from human trafficking in Myanmar

28/3/2025 6:35

South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed on Thursday the rescue and safe return of 23 South Africans who had fallen victim to human trafficking in Myanmar.

Clayson Monyela, head of public diplomacy at the department, said the 23 South Africans were lured to Thailand under false pretenses by an employment agency promising lucrative jobs. These jobs were advertised on various social media platforms, offering attractive salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses, and other benefits.

DIRCO said that after arriving in Thailand, the victims were transported to Myanmar and held captive for more than four months in a cybercrime compound.

The victims endured brutal treatment, including intimidation, physical torture and forced labor. They were also coerced into engaging in illicit activities, such as online scams targeting individuals worldwide.

They were held under 24-hour armed security, and a ransom of about 50,000 rand (about 2,750 U.S. dollars) was demanded for their release.

"They were forced to work 16-hour shifts and were frequently beaten or tortured if they refused. They survived on spoiled food and contaminated water, with no access to medical treatment," DIRCO said in a statement.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation is expected to conduct further investigations into the matter.

The South African government has urged the public to exercise extreme caution when considering employment opportunities abroad.