SA children trafficked to Malawi expected back home

The two from Mpumalanga were taken in July from their grandmother.(SABC)

A South African minor is said to be suffering from malaria after allegedly being abducted and trafficked to Malawi.

The 14 year-old and a 20 year-old relative are to be repatriated.

On Monday, a delegation led by the Minister of Social Development together with Interpol will be heading to Malawi to bring home the relatives.

The two from Mpumalanga were taken in July from their grandmother.

A woman who posed as their former teacher allegedly promised to send them to the United Kingdom to further their education.

According to the grandmother, the 14 year old had learning difficulties and the former teacher offered to take the child to the UK for specialist care that she could not afford.


Click below to watch an interview with Department of Social Development spokesperson Lumka Oliphant on the issue:


Preliminary investigations by Social Development show that there is alleged physical abuse and exploitation of the children by the former teacher.

Minister of Social  Development, Bathabile  Dlamini, says the case highlights the need for society as a whole to be vigilant about the trafficking of children.

The children are expected to be back in the country later this week.