Rescued SA Girls Speak Out After Harrowing Malawi Trafficking Ordeal
- Two SA girls, aged 9 and 15, have returned home after nearly two years in Malawi
- The girls told social workers they were allegedly neglected, deprived of food and moved between different locations
- Authorities are investigating a possible trafficking syndicate after the children were allegedly lured to Malawi
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SOUTH AFRICA - Two South African girls who were allegedly trafficked to Malawi in 2024 have returned home and spoken to social workers about the ordeal they endured during nearly two years in the country.
The nine- and 15-year-olds were repatriated to South Africa on Monday, after their mother and grandmother alerted authorities that the children had been left behind in Malawi.
Promised a better life
The girls travelled to Malawi with their mother and grandmother after the mother’s boyfriend allegedly promised them a better life. However, their situation reportedly changed after they arrived in the country in 2024. Their passports were allegedly confiscated, leaving them unable to return to South Africa.
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Girls reveal what they endured
Speaking through social workers, the girls reportedly described a traumatic experience during their time in Malawi. They told social workers that they had been neglected and deprived of food.
The children were also allegedly moved between different locations, reportedly making it difficult for them to know where they were being taken. They also did not attend school for the entire period they were in Malawi.
Mother and grandmother raised the alarm
The girls’ mother and grandmother were eventually transported back to South Africa by bus. After arriving, they alerted authorities that the children were still in Malawi and allegedly being held captive. Authorities subsequently worked to secure the girls’ return to South Africa.
The children were finally repatriated on Monday and are now back home with their family.
Possible trafficking syndicate investigated
The case has raised concerns about a possible trafficking operation targeting women with promises of employment, businesses and better opportunities.
Social Development Minister Dina Pule said authorities were continuing to monitor the situation.
“It looks like there is a syndicate targeting women with promises of work, businesses and the like,” Pule said.
Pule urged women to be careful about who they trust with their children, particularly when travelling or accepting opportunities across borders.
No arrests yet
No arrests have been made in connection with the case. Investigations into the alleged trafficking and captivity of the children are continuing. The Department of Social Development said 22 trafficked children have now been successfully repatriated to South Africa.h the case, and investigations are continuing.
14 children rescued from possible trafficking
Briefly News also reported that the South African Police Service arrested two suspects who were suspected of human trafficking. A video of 14 undocumented children being rescued went viral, and it is believed that they were travelling from Midrand when a passenger spotted them. The passenger alerted the police and netizens called for traffickers to be harshly punished.
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Source: Briefly News
