By: Sthulile Mdletshe
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is warning South Africans to be extremely cautious when considering job offers abroad, following a rise in human trafficking cases.
This comes after 23 South Africans were rescued from captivity in Myanmar. They were lured to Thailand with promises of well-paying jobs, then trafficked across the border and forced into cybercrime work under brutal conditions, including torture and starvation.
DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela said traffickers are constantly updating their tactics to evade law enforcement and often use social media to recruit unsuspecting victims.
These syndicates are highly organised and skilled at creating job offers that appear legitimate.
How to Stay Safe?
Verify job offers through DIRCO or South African embassies.
Register travel plans on the DIRCO Travel Smart App.
Report trafficking suspicions to:
SAPS Crime Stop: 08000 10111
Human Trafficking Hotline: 0800 222 777
GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428
