South African man found in Bangkok jail after escaping human trafficking in Myanmar

A 25-year-old South African man, previously reported missing, has been discovered in a Bangkok prison after escaping a fraudulent operation in Myanmar.

He was one of 41 South Africans who recently fled a large-scale scam, crossing the Moei River into Thailand after enduring human trafficking and forced labour.

Private security personnel, in collaboration with a non-profit organisation (NPO) dedicated to helping victims, located him while he was in custody.

Sources revealed that he had endured repeated assaults while in captivity after refusing to cooperate with the scam operators.

“This young man is one of the heroes,” said a source close to the rescue mission. “He was continuously assaulted because he refused to cooperate.

''He suffered a lot, and the media should give him a chance to tell his story.”

The NPO has since secured his release and is arranging for his repatriation to South Africa. Most of the victims are reportedly from Mpumalanga province.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has been criticised for reportedly taking too long to assist the victim’s return home.

Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri dismissed these claims, emphasising that the department, together with the South African embassy in Bangkok and law enforcement agencies, are actively prioritising the matter.

“The South African embassy in Bangkok, in collaboration with Dirco and key law enforcement agencies, is actively addressing the issue of South Africans identified as victims of human trafficking. This matter is a priority and receives ongoing attention,” he said.

Phiri also confirmed that Eden, a Thailand-based NGO, has been providing crucial support to the escapees.

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Cape Argus