DocumentOngoingMedia statement

Department warns against fake job scams linked to human trafficking

GCIS / SAnewsRef: GOVNEWS-83240 at https://www.sanews.gov.za

Official source

Source domain: sanews.gov.za

Collected on 31 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

What this means

The Department of Social Development (DSD) issued a warning to South Africans—especially young people—about fake online job offers that are being used by human trafficking syndicates. The warning coincides with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 July) under the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam,” and describes cases where victims who accepted jobs in Thailand were allegedly transported across the Thailand–Myanmar border and forced to work in scam compounds. The DSD says victims have been rescued and repatriated since 2024 through coordinated efforts with DIRCO, SAPS, DPCI, the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs, and civil society, and it urges people to verify overseas employment opportunities and report suspected trafficking to SAPS or the GBV Command Centre.

What this document offers

Read out of this document by Govermate's AI, in its own words. Each one quotes the line it came from — confirm on the official source before acting.

reporting hotlineOngoing

Report suspected human trafficking or exploitation (SAPS 10111 / GBV Command Centre)

If you suspect human trafficking or exploitation, you can report it by calling SAPS on 10111 or contacting the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428.

Who it is for: Anyone who suspects human trafficking or exploitation
How to act on it: Call SAPS on 10111 or contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428.

The document's recorded date is 31 July 2026. Confirm on the official source.

Show the line this came from

Anyone who suspects human trafficking or exploitation is urged to report it to SAPS by calling 10111 or contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428.

Facts

Reference

GOVNEWS-83240 at https://www.sanews.gov.za

Key Takeaways

Issuing department: Department of Social Development (DSD)
Warning date: Friday, 31 July 2026
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: 30 July
Theme: “Trapped Behind the Scam”
Target group: South Africans, particularly young people
Risk: fake online job offers used to lure victims into human trafficking
Alleged recruitment destination: Thailand
Alleged trafficking route: Thailand–Myanmar border
Alleged forced work: scam compounds conducting cyber-enabled financial crimes
Rescues/repatriations: since 2024
Coordinating bodies: DIRCO, SAPS, DPCI, Border Management Authority, Department of Home Affairs, civil society
Support on return: psychosocial support, family reunification, reintegration services
Typical lure: lucrative salaries, free travel, overseas employment
Victim conditions described: long working hours, intimidation, violence, debt bondage
Additional tactic: forcing victims to recruit friends/family
Prevention advice: verify overseas opportunities, research employers/recruitment agencies, consult family, avoid relying only on social media
Reporting: SAPS 10111; GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428
Department of Social Development (DSD)
Buti Kulwane
Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)
South African Police Service (SAPS)
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI)
Border Management Authority
Department of Home Affairs
Gender-Based Violence Command Centre
civil society organisations
Thailand
Myanmar

Dates

Opening Date

31 July 2026