Two suspected recruiters appeared in the Bellville Magistrates Court on Monday, in connection with the alleged trafficking of victims after promises of a work opportunity in Thailand.

According to the Hawks, the arrest of the two Kraaifontein residents, 44-year-old Adam Douglas and his wife, 50-year-old Yolanda Douglas, on Friday comes after four victims were rescued by the team in May last year, after reacting to information received about people who were recruited to work at a Call Center in Thailand, but then taken to Cambodia.

After their “job applications” were successful, upon their arrival in Thailand, they did not stay in Thailand as promised; instead, they were taken to Cambodia. On arrival in Cambodia, their passports were taken away by the traffickers and their freedom of movement was impeded.

According to Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, the victims were employed in a call centre where they were instructed to make calls to certain targeted individuals under the pretence that there were cases opened against them and they must pay a particular amount to avoid arrest.

“They were forced to work very long hours and they were never paid for the work done, they then launched a protest demanding their money.” added Hani

Hani says three of the victims’ passports were handed back to them, and the fourth victim could not get her passport.

Through interventions by families and NGO’s, arrangements were made for the victims to be returned home. The investigation led to warrants of arrest being issued against the suspects.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks Western Cape, Major General MS Makgato, gave a stern warning to the public, saying that traffickers often use online platforms to target vulnerable individuals by promising legitimate job opportunities or a better life, only to confiscate documents and force victims into various forms of exploitation.

“We urge that victims should come forward to report such as the authorities work with government departments to dismantle these networks and bring perpetrators to justice.”

The two accused face charges of Contravention of Trafficking in Persons. The matter was postponed to 26 February 2026 for bail information and a formal bail application.