KEY POINTS
- Seven Chinese nationals were denied bail in Johannesburg for alleged human trafficking and labour law violations, following the discovery of 91 Malawian nationals, including 37 children, in their factory.
- The accused face Schedule 6 offences, including human trafficking, debt bondage, kidnapping, and firearm-related charges, with a middleman known as “the transporter” still at large.
- The case has sparked outrage among human rights groups, prompting calls for stronger enforcement of labour laws and better protection for migrant workers in South Africa.
In a significant development in a high-profile human trafficking case, seven Chinese nationals were denied bail in a Johannesburg court.
According to the Department of Employment and Labour, the Chinese Nationals —Kevin Tsao, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian—were arrested in November 2019 for allegedly running a human trafficking ring and violating South Africa’s labour laws.
The Chinese Nationals operated a factory named Beautiful City (Pty) Ltd in Village Deep, Johannesburg, where they are accused of exploiting Malawian nationals, including children, under deplorable conditions.
The arrests were the result of a joint operation conducted by the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch in Gauteng, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Home Affairs, and the Hawks Unit.
The operation was launched after authorities received a tip-off about the alleged trafficking of illegal immigrants into South Africa and their subsequent exploitation for forced labour.
During the raid, 91 Malawian nationals were discovered in the factory, 37 of whom were children.
“The Malawians were transported to South Africa in containers, and a middleman known as ‘the transporter’ facilitated their illegal entry,” revealed a court affidavit submitted by the SAPS and Hawks.
The middleman remains at large, and authorities are intensifying efforts to locate him.
The Chinese Nationals face a litany of serious charges, including human trafficking, debt bondage, kidnapping, and pointing of a firearm.
These charges fall under Schedule 6 offences, which are considered among the most severe crimes in South Africa and often result in lengthy prison sentences if convicted.
Chinese nationals face litany of charges
The Chinese Nationals face a litany of serious charges, including human trafficking, debt bondage, kidnapping, and pointing of a firearm.
These charges fall under Schedule 6 offences, which are considered among the most severe crimes in South Africa and often result in lengthy prison sentences if convicted.
“The conditions in the factory were inhumane, with workers subjected to long hours, inadequate pay, and threats of violence,” stated a spokesperson for the Department of Employment and Labour.
The court also heard that the workers were allegedly held against their will and forced to work under the constant threat of firearms.
The case has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and labour unions, who have called for stricter enforcement of labour laws and better protection for vulnerable workers.
“This case highlights the urgent need for stronger measures to combat human trafficking and protect migrant workers,” said a representative from a local NGO advocating for workers’rights.
