South Africans, facing high unemployment rates, were lured into a nightmare ordeal in Myanmar with false promises and what seemed like a life in paradise.
A staggering 23 citizens found themselves in a desperate ordeal after being trapped by promises of employment in Burma.
Rescue sees Myanmar captives miraculously returned home
Thankfully, this story has a happy ending after the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) returned them home this week.
DIRCO revealed how the men and women returned to South Africa on Thursday after a harrowing ordeal in Myanmar.
The group had reportedly fallen victim to criminal elements after being sold false promises of employment, advertised through social media platforms.
However, instead of lucrative employment, the South Africans found themselves held captive and forced into criminal activities. The illicit activities included online scams.
The offer had included promising the victims great salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses and a host of other benefits. With such appealing bait, those who fell victim to the fake job ads were taken from Thailand to Myanmar against their will.
South Africans rescued as Myanmar authorities raid compound
The ordeal came to a merciful end after Myanmar authorities raided a cybercrime compound, rescuing 7000 people from numerous countries in the process.
DIRCO explains that victims endured terrible conditions at the hands of the human trafficking operation for over four months, including intimidation, forced labour and even physical torture.
The victims were forced to run cyber scams for 16 hours a day and, had they refused, faced being beaten and tortured. Additionally, the victims had been kept under constant armed guard, fed spoiled food and contaminated water and denied medical treatment.
Support for victims after rescue from Burma
DIRCO has confirmed that the 23 South African victims will be receiving support after being rescued from these inhumane conditions.
Social workers from the Department of Social Development will support victims. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations will then transport them to undergo medical assessments. In line with this, the victims will receive psychosocial support.
“The DPCI will continue to work with all relevant government departments to ensure the safety and well-being of the victims, as well as the successful arrest and conviction of traffickers in South Africa.” DIRCO commented.
Have you or someone you know fallen victim to cybercrime?
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