Couple charged with trafficking in persons after Thailand job scam

A couple accused of recruiting young Capetonians with false promises of overseas jobs — in a case that carries a possible life imprisonment sentence — appeared in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Monday on four counts of trafficking in persons.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed the matter was postponed to Thursday for further information and a possible bail application.

“We can confirm that a couple appeared in the Bellville Magistrates Court this morning and are facing four counts of trafficking in persons. Their case has been postponed to Thursday for further information and a possible bail applications,” he said.

Ntabazalila said the charges relate to allegations dating back to 2024 and 2025, when the pair allegedly recruited young people from the Scottsdale and Kraaifontein areas, with promises of employment in Thailand.

“The victims would be recruited with offers of free accommodation and meals, work permits and visas and paid between $450 and $500 plus commission,” he said.

According to the State, once abroad, the recruits were transported from Thailand to Cambodia, where they were allegedly forced to work in a call centre targeting South Africans.

“When they get to Thailand, they would be transported to Cambodia where they would work in a call centre. They would then be asked to make scam calls to South Africa and scam South Africans for large amounts of money,” Ntabazalila said.

“As was mentioned in court, there is a possible life imprisonment sentence when everything is finalised,” he added.

The arrests were detailed in a statement issued by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on February 21. Two suspects, aged 51 and 44, were arrested on Friday, February 20, 2026 by the Western Cape Economic Protected Resources team following an investigation that began in May 2025.

Investigators said four victims were recruited for jobs in Thailand but were instead taken to Cambodia, where their passports were confiscated and their movement restricted. They were allegedly instructed to contact targeted individuals, falsely claim criminal cases had been opened against them, and demand payment to avoid arrest. They were forced to work long hours and were not paid.

Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation spokesperson Lt Col Siyabulela Vukubi said these schemes often prey on people seeking better opportunities abroad.

He warned that traffickers exploit hopes for employment and financial stability to entrap victims and urged others who may have been affected to come forward to assist the investigation.

The accused have been denied bail and remain in custody. The matter resumes in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

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Cape Argus