Pretoria – At least 23 South Africans invited by a false promise of overseas work promoted on social media have been rescued from Myanmar.
The International Relations Cooperation Agency (DIRCO) said on Thursday (March 27, 2025) that the South Africans rescued were part of a group of 7,000 people from various countries.
Other rescued victims came from China, Vietnam, India, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kenya, Taiwan and Nepal.
The Bureau of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said 23 South Africans were among the victims rescued from Myanmar.
“Our citizens returned to South Africa a few hours ago and received support from Dilco and the Border Control Agency,” the department said in a statement made available to Brush.
“Dirco has encouraged the deportation of South Africans and provided financial aid.”
Narrated the event that led to the South Africans being stuck, Dilko said that these men and women were seduced by the Kingdom of Thailand by pretending to be false by the employment agency.
Advertising on various social media platforms promised good salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses, and other lucrative benefits.
“When they arrived in Thailand, they were transported to Myanmar against their will,” the department revealed.
“The victim was taken prisoner for over four months for a cybercriminal compound in Myanmar that crosses the border with Thailand.
“They received brutal treatment, including threats, physical torture and forced labor.
“They were also forced to engage in illegal activities, including online fraud targeting individuals around the world.”
The department said South Africans were detained under 24-hour armed security and a ransom of about R50 000 was requested for release.
“They were forced to work 16 hours a day and were frequently beaten or tortured if they refused. They survived untreated and rotten food and contaminated water,” the department said.
“The repatriation of South African victims was part of a bilateral cooperation agreement signed by the Kingdom of Thailand and South Africa in 2023 to combat human trafficking and other forms of multinational organized crime.
The government is grateful for the support provided by Thai authorities in promoting the repatriation of victims.
Victim support
The Ministry of Social Development (DSD) and the Department of Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) conducted the initial screening of victims to verify their identity and family information.
Social workers at DSD will help them perform further screening interviews with South African citizens as the DPCI has not been formally screened in Myanmar or Thailand.
Some individuals may need to receive medical assistance prior to screening interviews.
Following the screening interview, the DPCI will transport the victim to a medical facility for health screening.
Practitioners assess physical injuries suffered while being held hostage in Myanmar to determine the need for medical assistance.
In addition to ongoing psychosocial support, DSD provides temporary accommodation for people outside of Gauteng, allowing them to reunite with their families and close relatives.
DPCI will transport victims living in Gauteng to their homes after screening interviews and health screenings.
The DPCI investigates the issue and follow-up appointments are scheduled at a later stage with the victim to gather comprehensive statements.
The DPCI will continue to work with all relevant government departments to ensure the safety and welfare of the victims and the successful arrest and conviction of traffickers in South Africa.
The South African government has strongly condemned individual trafficking practices and introduced relevant laws to tackle this heinous crime harshly.
The 2013 Trafficking Prevention and Fighting Act 2013) is required to impose duties on members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies, provide the necessary support and protection to victims of trafficking, and to investigate human trafficking for crimes related to individuals.
National Leader 4 in 2015 ensures that SAPS complies with its obligations by providing clear direction to its members about how it provides the necessary support and protections to trafficked victims and investigating crimes mentioned in the law.
Additionally, the government has developed a national policy framework for the prevention and combating human trafficking and adopted an interdisciplinary, intersectoral approach to implementing these policies.
A national inter-committee on human trafficking for individuals, local task teams and rapid response teams was established to tackle human trafficking.
These committees consist of government sectors, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, and academic circles to protect victims of human trafficking.
The government is urging its citizen members to be extremely careful when considering employment opportunities overseas.
Recent reports highlight the disturbing trend of individuals being seduced by Thailand with the promise of favorable work offers, trafficked in Myanmar and forced to work with fraudulent compounds under inhumane conditions.
Uncruel and prudent traffickers continue to change and improve the ways in which they can beat law enforcement efforts.
These crime syndicates are highly organized and could be very good at identifying and recruiting potential victims.
They can make the job offer look very attractive and realistic. They often post fake job ads online, promising high pay and attractive profits.
While these offers may seem legal, they are designed to deceive and misuse vulnerable and unsuspecting job seekers.
Victims often believe they have a legitimate labor contract until travel documents are taken upon arrival.
Measures to prevent human trafficking
Be vigilant and protect yourself from becoming a victim of human trafficking.
Before accepting employment abroad, research and verify recruitment agencies or consult with the country's local embassy or Dilco for guidance.
If employment promises are too good and not true, then you must be careful and doubted.
All countries with South Africa-based embassies and liaison offices are available at the DIRCO website www.dirco.gov.za.
Sign up for the DIRCO Travel Smart application, a digital platform that provides support and information to South African citizens traveling or residing in other countries.
If you suspect that your loved one or someone else is a victim of human trafficking, report the issue to SAPS Crime Stop Hotline: 08000 10111, your nearest police station, DSD, or a designated child protection organization.
Use the following helpline to report suspected human trafficking incidents:
•Childline – 116
• Film and Publishing Committee – 0800 148 148
•GBV Command Center – 0800 428 428
•National Human Trafficking Hotline – 0800 222 777.
Remember, traffickers aren't just strangers who provide lucrative employment opportunities. They could also be people you know or trust.
Therefore, you need to be responsible for yourself and verify your employment opportunities, as traffickers always respond to your vulnerability and lack of awareness.
If you are offered a work away from your family, always let your family and friends know about your travel plans and share contact details of the people you communicate with.
This makes it easier for law enforcement to track you down.
If you are a victim of human trafficking or know someone in a similar situation, ask for help immediately.
For assistance, contact the nearest South African embassy or consulate. Notify local law enforcement and international agencies dedicated to the fight against human trafficking.
Your safety and happiness are in your hands. Be vigilant and protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims of these malicious schemes.
Let us all work together to stop human trafficking.
