Two girls repatriated to South Africa after trafficking ordeal in Malawi

Social Development Minister Dina Pule is expected to receive two children, that were victims of human trafficking, at the O.R.Tambo International Airport. To date, the department has repatriated 22 children.

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Minister of Social Development, Dina Pule, has welcomed two KwaZulu-Natal girls aged 15 and 10, who have finally returned to South Africa after they were human trafficked into Malawi in 2024.

It is reported that a male stranger turned family friend and would-be lover of the mother of the children won his way into the family before taking control of the grandmother's pension money.

Things worsened for the family after they lost their home, as the man took them into a rented home before convincing them to move to Malawi for better opportunities. However, when the family arrived in Malawi, things turned from bad to worse as they were deprived of freedom of movement, before the grandmother and their mother were finally set free, while the two minors were left behind under trying conditions.

On their arrival in South Africa, they reported the matter to the police, resulting in an elaborate transnational rescue operation that finally brought the two minors back into the country after they were rescued by Malawian authorities on 9 July 2026 and placed in a place of safety.

Following extensive cooperation between the Department of Social Development, Interpol South Africa and the South African and Malawian authorities, officials travelled to Malawi to facilitate their safe return home.

During a press briefing held at the OR Tambo International Airport, the minister cautiously celebrated the impending reunion and reintegration of the two teens into normal life after months spent under trying conditions.

"This is a bittersweet moment for myself and the department as we mark the return of the children and the possible reunion with their families. Trafficking in persons and children is not a myth. It is real, it happens across borders, and it can happen to families within our own communities," she stated.

Despite the positive developments in the girls’ circumstances, the man who orchestrated their trafficking remains at large in Malawi. Police spokesperson Brigadier Amanda Van Wyk assured the public of continuous efforts to apprehend the suspect. "The South African Police Service (SAPS) and INTERPOL South Africa continue to collaborate with relevant law enforcement authorities in the investigation of transnational crime, such as human trafficking," she stated.

The Department's Sizo Magangoe detailed the living conditions of the two minors, saying they were deprived of school, extracurricular activities, and food. "Their living conditions were terrible. They were not living a normal life and have not been to school since 2024. They have gone through a lot of trauma and were constantly moved from one place to another," she pointed out.

According to the department, the repatriation of the two victims forms part of the government's ongoing efforts to protect children from trafficking and exploitation, ensure their safe repatriation into the country, and facilitate access to appropriate care, protection and support services.

According to the minister, to date, the Department of Social Development has repatriated 22 children, with the minister calling on families and communities to remain vigilant, warning that traffickers often exploit vulnerability, financial hardship and trust through false promises of employment, relationships, financial assistance or a better life.

"As the custodian of the Children's Act, the Department works closely with various government departments, entities and civil society organisations to ensure the safe return and reintegration of children who are victims of human trafficking," she added.