A South African man, who was reported missing after being rescued from a fraudulent operation in Myanmar, has been located in a prison in Thailand.
The 25-year-old was discovered by private security personnel working with one of the non-profit organisations (NPOs) involved in assisting the victims of the Myanmar scam.
Large-scale scam centre
He was among a group of 41 South Africans who recently escaped from a large-scale scam centre in Myanmar.
The escapees had crossed the Moei River into Thailand after fleeing human trafficking and forced labour in the conflict-hit region.
According to sources, the man was detained by Thai authorities and later found in a Bangkok prison.
He had reportedly been subjected to repeated assaults while in captivity at the compound after refusing to cooperate with those running the fraudulent operation.
“This young man is one of the heroes,” said a source close to the rescue mission.
“He was beaten continuously because he refused to participate, yet he never gave up. The media should give him a chance to tell his story.”
Repatriation to South Africa
The NPO that located the man has since secured his release from custody and is arranging for his repatriation to South Africa.
However, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has faced criticism for what some have described as a slow response to the crisis.
According to sources, most of the victims are from Mpumalanga province.
Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri rejected these claims, stating that the department and the South African embassy in Bangkok 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 identifying as victims of human trafficking. This matter is a priority and receives ongoing attention,” Phiri said.
Providing support
He added that the NGO known as Eden, based in Thailand, has been providing crucial support to the escapees.
More than 1 000 people have reportedly fled from Myanmar into Thailand over the past week, following a military raid on one of the country’s largest scam centres.
Thai authorities continue to investigate the trafficking networks responsible for the exploitation of foreign nationals.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of the rescued South Africans and other victims to their home countries.
