Bulelwa Hoala
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed that it has successfully rescued 23 South Africans who were lured to Myanmar under false pretences.
According to Kaya News, the group of men and women left South Africa last year after they were promised lucrative jobs advertised on social media by an employment agency.
Following their arrival, they were held captive for more than four months and were subjected to brutal treatment, including intimidation, physical torture and forced labour.
In a statement released on Thursday, DIRCO confirmed that the group were part of 7000 other individuals from various countries.
“Our citizens returned to South Africa a few hours ago, assisted by DIRCO and the Border Management Authority. DIRCO facilitated the repatriation of the South African nationals and provided financial assistance.
False Promises
“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.
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.
Harsh Conditions
“The victims were held captive for more than four months in a cybercrime compound in Myanmar, which borders Thailand. They were subjected to brutal treatment, including intimidation, physical torture and forced labour. They were also compelled to engage in illicit activities, including online scams that targeted individuals worldwide.
They were held under 24-hour armed security, and a ransom of approximately fifty thousand rand (R50 000) was demanded for their release. They were forced to work for 16 hours a day and were frequently beaten or tortured if they refused, and they survived on spoiled food and contaminated water without access to medical treatment,” DIRCO wrote in a statement.
DIRCO says the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) have been roped in to support the victims by providing medical assistance, temporary accommodation and reuniting them with their families.
The Citizen reports that The Hawks have launched an investigation into the matter, and follow-up appointments will be scheduled at a later stage with the victims to gather statements.
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