A major international rescue operation is unfolding for a group of South African citizens who fell victim to a sophisticated human trafficking scheme, finding themselves trapped in a notorious cyber-scam compound in Myanmar. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has confirmed it is working urgently to bring them home.
The situation came to light through the efforts of non-profit organizations, with the South African-based Brave to Love reporting that between 36 and 41 South Africans managed to escape from the compound over the past week and are now in need of urgent assistance to return to their families.
The Deceptive Lure and the Harsh Reality
The victims’ stories follow a chillingly consistent pattern. They were recruited with promises of legitimate employment in Thailand in fields like marketing, teaching, and hospitality. However, upon landing at Bangkok airport, they were intercepted by traffickers and smuggled across the border into Myanmar.
There, they were held against their will in a compound known as “KK Park,” a hub for cybercrime. They were forced to work on online scams, effectively held hostage by their captors. This mirrors the ordeal of a group of 23 South Africans who were trafficked and rescued earlier this year, indicating an ongoing and targeted criminal operation.
A Chaotic Escape and a Coordinated Response
The opportunity for escape arose when the Myanmar military led raids on the KK Park compound last week. These raids drove a large number of foreign nationals out of the complex and towards the Thai border town of Mae Sot.
According to international reports, the individuals were detained by the Thai army for necessary legal and identity checks before being processed for repatriation to their home countries.
Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri stated that the department is treating the matter as an absolute priority. “Our embassy in Bangkok is in direct communication with the NGOs, ensuring head office receives timely feedback and updates,” Phiri said.
He confirmed that Dirco’s consular team has compiled a list of 39 South African potential victims based on daily information received, and their cases are receiving urgent attention. They are working in close collaboration with the South African embassy in Bangkok, key law enforcement agencies, and NGOs on the ground, including ‘This is Eden,’ which is providing support to 14 of the affected South Africans.
For the families awaiting news and the survivors now on the path to safety, this collaborative effort represents a lifeline and a long-awaited journey home from a modern-day nightmare.
