Trapped in Myanmar: 23 South Africans rescued from brutal human trafficking scam

Clayson Monyela

Cape Town – Twenty-three South Africans who were trafficked to Myanmar under the guise of job offers in Thailand have returned home after being rescued from forced labour conditions.

They had been promised call centre and hospitality jobs in Thailand, but upon arrival, they were taken across the border to Myanmar, where they were forced to engage in online scams while living under harsh, “slave-like” conditions.

The victims’ passports were confiscated, and they were trapped, unable to escape due to fear of deportation and legal consequences.

“Before leaving South Africa last year, these men and women were lured to the Kingdom of Thailand under false pretences by an employment agency that promised them lucrative jobs that were advertised on various social media platforms,” The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement.

“These adverts promised the victims good salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses and other lucrative benefits. Once in Thailand, they were transported to Myanmar against their will.”

The victims were held captive for over four months in a cybercrime compound, forced to work 16-hour shifts under constant guard, and subjected to beatings and torture if they refused. They endured spoiled food, contaminated water, and no medical care.

The rescue was carried out by Myanmar authorities during a raid that freed 7,000 people from various countries, Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela said.

The South Africans were flown back home with assistance from the South African government and Ethiopian Airways.

Monyela cautioned against accepting suspicious job offers, urging jobseekers to verify the legitimacy of overseas opportunities to avoid falling victim to human trafficking syndicates.

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