Two young sisters from the Eastern Cape have finally returned to South Africa after a harrowing human trafficking ordeal. Image: Supplied.
Eastern Cape
1Min
South Africa
Two South African children repatriated from Malawi after alleged trafficking
The nine- and 15-year-old children were rescued in Malawi in July and have now been reunited with their family after a cross-border operation involving South African and Malawian authorities.
Two South African children have returned home after being rescued in Malawi following allegations that they were victims of human trafficking.
The children, aged nine and 15, arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday after being repatriated through a joint effort involving the Department of Social Development, Interpol South Africa, South African law enforcement and Malawian authorities.
The case was referred to the Department of Social Development by Interpol South Africa after allegations emerged that members of a South African family had been trafficked to Malawi.
Malawian authorities rescued the two children on July 9 and placed them in a place of safety while arrangements were made for their return to South Africa.
A social worker was sent to Malawi by the Department of Social Development to assist with the repatriation and ensure that the children's best interests remained the priority throughout the process.
The department said the case should not be treated simply as a missing-persons matter, as the circumstances point to allegations of trafficking and exploitation.
The children will now receive psychosocial support and other social services as they recover from the ordeal and are reunited with their family.
Social Development Minister Dina Deliwe Pule welcomed their return and warned that human trafficking remains a real threat to vulnerable families.
“Trafficking in persons is real and can affect vulnerable families within our communities,” Pule said.
She called on families, communities, government and civil society to work together to protect children from exploitation.
The department has also urged parents, caregivers and members of the public to remain alert and report suspected cases of human trafficking and child exploitation to the relevant authorities.
Authorities in South Africa and Malawi are continuing to work together on the matter.
The department has appealed to the media and public to respect the privacy of the children and their family as they begin the process of recovery and reintegration.
