Two South African children rescued in Malawi have returned home through a cross-border child protection operation involving social workers, law enforcement and authorities in both countries.
The children, aged nine and 15, were received at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday following a repatriation process coordinated by the Department of Social Development.
Their return followed collaboration between the department, Interpol South Africa, South African and Malawian authorities and other stakeholders responsible for child protection and law enforcement.
The case was initially referred to 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 9 July and placed them in a place of safety while officials worked across borders to arrange their return.
A South African social worker was subsequently delegated to travel to Malawi and accompany the children home, with their safety and best interests guiding the repatriation process.
The intervention was undertaken in accordance with the Department of Social Development’s responsibilities under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act.
With the children now back in South Africa, the focus moves from rescue and repatriation towards recovery and family support.
The department will provide psychosocial assistance and appropriate social services to the children and their family as part of the next phase of the intervention.
It said the case demonstrates why suspected trafficking involving children requires cooperation across social services, law enforcement, international authorities and child protection structures.
Social Development Minister Dina Pule said communities also have an important role in identifying and preventing exploitation.
“The trafficking of persons is real and can affect vulnerable families within our communities. The protection of children is a shared responsibility, and government, communities, families and civil society must work together to prevent exploitation and ensure the safety and dignity of every child,” Pule said.
According to the department, 22 children have been repatriated, highlighting the role of coordinated cross-border mechanisms in bringing vulnerable South African children home.
The department stressed that trafficking cases should not simply be treated as missing-person incidents when circumstances indicate possible exploitation.
It will continue working with law enforcement agencies and other partners to combat trafficking while ensuring children who have experienced exploitation receive appropriate protection, care and support.
Parents, caregivers and communities are also being encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspected trafficking or child exploitation to authorities.
The department acknowledged officials, law enforcement agencies and partner institutions in South Africa and Malawi whose cooperation enabled the children’s safe return.
As the two children begin the next stage of their recovery, the department has asked the media and public to protect their privacy and dignity and allow the family the space needed to recover.
