(Archive photo/Maroela Media)
A couple from Kraaifontein appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Monday after they allegedly lured four South Africans to Thailand under false pretenses.
Adam Attie Douglas (44) and Yolanda Jean Douglas (51) are facing four charges of human trafficking with the purpose of exploitation.
The arrests stem from an investigation that began in May last year when the victims were rescued from dire circumstances.
Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Western Cape, says the state claims that the couple recruited two men and two women, between the ages of 22 and 34, for work opportunities through the Step by Step Academy in Thailand.
This position was apparently advertised on social media as a call center with a salary of between $400 and $500, as well as commission. A work permit, visa fees, free accommodation and meals, plane tickets as well as R2 000 for meals on the day the persons would travel were included in their packages.
Ntabazalila says the couple apparently made all the arrangements on behalf of the victims, including transport to the Cape Town International Airport and also helped with flight arrangements to Doha.
The victims, who left at different dates and times, ended up at 18H Street, 273 Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where they lived in extremely poor conditions.
Maroela Media reported earlier that their passports were also confiscated there by the human traffickers.
“The state further claims that the actual employment was an elaborate online scam where the victims were forced to defraud South African citizens out of large sums of money. The victims managed to leave the complex where they were staying and return to South Africa on various dates between May 8 and June 14 last year,” says Ntabazalila.
Should the couple be found guilty of the charges against them, they will be jailed for life.
The case against them has been adjourned until Thursday when they are expected to apply for bail.