Urgent plea for repatriation of South African trafficking victims in Myanmar
Exclusive
GPS co-ordinates victims shared with Brave to Love.
Image: Supplied
South African trafficking victims in Myanmar have sent urgent messages to the human rights organisation Brave to Love, reporting that they have been gun-pointed, arrested, and forced to pay a ransom.
The organisation is now urging the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) to expedite the repatriation of approximately 40 South Africans, including some from Cape Town.
Brave to Love reports that the victims were trafficked to Southeast Asia, lured by false job promises in Thailand, but were instead forced into Myanmar's notorious KK Park scamming compound.
Out of the group, four managed to isolate themselves from the others and gathered to pray at the compound gate, while another was held hostage by corrupt military officials who requested ransom and released them.
They were transferred into the care of Myanmar police and immigration authorities.
Cape Argus was also shared the desperate voice notes which some of the men managed to send to Emma van der Walt, founder of Brave to Love.
“We are waiting down by the balcony, they locked us there by the balcony. Then we saw people going out and you prayed for us. A lot of people were running,” one victim said.
“Then we took our things and we ran out.
“We had access to get out of the place.
“A lot of people came out like ninety-five percent of the people came out.
So we thank you very much for everything that you have done for us.
“God is with us.”
Another said they were gun-pointed: “We just spoke with the people who are leaving now, and so what they are going to do is leave them at the exit and be arrested basically, I am just informing you guys.
“They pointing us with guns here.”
A female victim stated: “We can’t cross the river because they are not allowing us in and they want 7k thai baht each.”
Van der Walt explained what had transpired.
“The group of 14 men were held hostage by the corrupt Myanmar military. They had to pay the ransom to get free from a small house they were kept in."
By yesterday, Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Ronald Lamola told Cape Argus they were aware of the situation and were working behind the scenes to bring the citizens back home.
“The South African Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, in collaboration with the DIRCO and key law enforcement agencies, is actively addressing the issue of South African nationals identifying as potential victims of human trafficking (PVOT).
“This matter is a priority and receives ongoing attention, cognisant of the POPI Act .
“The NGO: Brave To Love (BTL), based in South Africa, has in the past supported and assisted PVOT in returning to South Africa.
“Despite following the prescribed protocols and processes, there remain misconceptions about DIRCO’s role and ongoing assistance being provided.
“Our Embassy in Bangkok is also in direct communication with these NGOs, ensuring that the head office receives timely feedback and updates on inquiries and information related to South African PVOT.”
Phiri added that DIRCO Consular Services, alongside its Embassy in Bangkok, has compiled a list of 39 South African PVOT, based on daily information received since last week, which are currently receiving urgent attention.
This while Brave to Love said it urgently calling on DIRCO to expedite the repatriation of an estimated 40 SA victims and requests financial assistance from stakeholders, donors, and the South African public for life-saving operations and their safe return.
Van der Walt, said they were aware that some of the victims were from Cape Town and had facilitated communication but could not give insight into how many.
“They have used Cape Town as a root to the country, that is definitely what I can tell you," she added.
“There are victims from Cape Town but not a large number."
On October 22, four South African men, isolated from the others, gathered to pray at the compound gate.
“Their prayer vigil grew, as victims from the Philippines, Kenya, and other nations joined them. Demonstrating immense courage, approximately 1,000 individuals, including the South Africans, overpowered guards and escaped the compound in a mass breakout,” van der Walt stated.
“Local NGOs provided immediate aid. A smaller group of South Africans was then held hostage by corrupt military officials, but released after ransom payments facilitated by NGOs. Many South African victims have now safely crossed into Thailand, where authorities and NGOs are providing support.
“Brave to Love urgently calls on DIRCO to expedite the repatriation of an estimated 40 South African victims and requests financial assistance from stakeholders, donors, and the South African public for life-saving operations and their safe return. Brave to Love is working with partners to ensure victims' safety and successful repatriation.”
In March DIRCO confirmed that 23 South Africans were rescued from Myanmar, which made headlines.
They formed part of 7 000 other individuals from various countries.
DIRCO facilitated the repatriation of the South African nationals and provided financial assistance.
Before leaving South Africa last year, they 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 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.
According to DIRCO, 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.