03 September 2026, Pretoria, The Department of Social Development today welcomed the safe return of two South African children, aged 9 and 15, who were repatriated to South Africa following an alleged case of human trafficking.The children were received at OR Tambo International Airport following extensive collaboration between the Department of Social Development, Interpol South Africa, South African and Malawian authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.
The case was referred to the Department by Interpol South Africa after allegations emerged that members of a South African family had been trafficked to Malawi. The two children were rescued by Malawian authorities on 9 July 2026 and placed in a place of safety pending arrangements for their return to South Africa.
The Department facilitated the repatriation process in accordance with its legislative mandate under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013. A social worker was delegated to travel to Malawi to support and facilitate the children’s safe return, with their best interests remaining the primary consideration throughout the process.
The safe return of the children marks an important step towards their recovery, reunification with their family and restoration of their rights. The Department will continue to provide the necessary psychosocial support and appropriate social services to the children and their family.
The Department has emphasised that this matter should not merely be viewed as a missing persons case. The circumstances point to serious allegations of trafficking and exploitation, requiring a coordinated child-protection and law-enforcement response.The Department of Social Development remains committed to working closely with lawenforcement agencies and other partners to combat trafficking in persons and to ensure that children who have experienced exploitation receive the protection, care and support they deserve.
The Department further calls on parents, caregivers and communities to remain vigilant and to report suspected cases of trafficking and child exploitation to the relevant authorities.“Trafficking in 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,” said the Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Deliwe Pule.
The Department expresses its appreciation to all government officials, law-enforcement agencies and partner institutions in South Africa and Malawi whose cooperation contributed to the safe repatriation of the children.The Department also urges the media and members of the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the children and their family during this period, to allow them the space and support necessary for their recovery.