Two South African Girls Trafficked To Malawi Set To Return Home

• Two South African girls aged nine and 15, identified as trafficking victims, are expected to land at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday
• Social Development Minister Dina Pule will personally receive the girls as part of a broader government repatriation effort
• A private investigator shared his insights into the reportedly growing human trafficking crisis in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA — Two South African girls who were trafficked across the border into Malawi are set to arrive home on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at OR Tambo International Airport, where Social Development Minister Dina Pule will be on hand to receive them.

The girls, aged nine and 15, have been confirmed as victims of human trafficking. Senior government officials and partner stakeholders are expected to accompany Pule to oversee the handover and ensure the children are connected to appropriate support services.

SA repatriates 22 child trafficking victims

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Minister Pule confirmed that the Department of Social Development (DSD) has repatriated 22 children to date as part of its ongoing campaign to bring South African trafficking victims safely home.

"Their return forms part of South Africa's repatriation process aimed at ensuring the safe return of children subjected to trafficking and exploitation," Pule said,

She also added that the department would make certain the girls receive proper care following their arrival.

The DSD coordinates its efforts with several government bodies, including the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Police Service, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Border Management Authority, and various civil society organisations.

SAPS has repeatedly warned that trafficking affects men, women, and children alike, and can take many forms — including sex trafficking, forced labour, illegal adoption, organ trafficking, forced begging, and coercing victims into criminal activity.

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Private investigator shines the light on human trafficking

Previously, Briefly News reported that a private investigator weighed in on the rise of trafficking cases in South Africa. This, after the Joshlin Smith case dominated national and international headlines. Private investigator Haroon Sader , the director of SIN International, stated that human trafficking was defined as the exploitation of a person, either by deception/fraud, coercion, force or threats. He also noted with concern that while the crime is an international issue, there are an estimated 100,000 victims in South Africa annually.

Source: Briefly News